On Saturday, 2 March 2024, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, visited the 95th Higher National Guard Battalions Command in Rhodes, accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis.
Also present were the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Ioannis Pappas and MPs Tsambika (Mika) Iatridi, Manos Konsolas, and Vasilios – Nikolaos Ypsilantis.
Mr. Dendias was briefed by the Commanding General of the 95th Higher National Guard Battalions Command, Major General Georgios Manouras, on operational matters and the Formation’s mission.
Following the briefing, the Minister of National Defence stated:
“Deputy Minister, dear fellow MPs, Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General, it is a great joy to be here, at the headquarters of the 95th Higher National Guard Battalions Command and to meet the cadre serving here.
The Regional Unit of Rhodes marks not only the national border, our country’s border, but also the European border.
The Treaty of Lausanne, the Italo-Turkish Agreements of 1932, and the 1947 Treaty of Paris fully and explicitly establish Greek sovereignty upon all isles of the Archipelago.
At this point I would like to make a special reference to the great importance of the island complex of Meghisti, i.e. Kastellorizo.
Ladies and gentlemen, we live in an age where geopolitical uncertainty and regional changes proceed extremely swiftly. Greece, based on her Armed Forces, and on all foreign policy achievements of the past four years, has a significant presence on the international scene.
At this point I would like to add, that, for Greek society, as well as for the Mitsotakis government, enhancing the deterrent power of the Armed Forces is an absolute priority.
Hence the formulation of the “2030 agenda”, the great reform of the Armed Forces, which is still in process.
I would like to mention at this point the Prime Minister’s statement during the latest Cabinet meeting, the day before yesterday. He stated that the present reform is perhaps the greatest ever carried out in the history of the Hellenic State.
Our target is to create a modern, effective army. A veritable 21st century army, capable of responding to this century’s challenges.
We are seeking to form Armed Forces which take a leading role in protecting peace and stability in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region, and beyond, when circumstances demand it. As we speak, a Hellenic Navy frigate is already operating in the Red Sea, and our participation in international operations such as operation ASPIDES, proves our commitment, but also our ability to defend international legal order, especially when its violation harms our national interests.
Also, it will not be news for you, to learn, that Greece is the country par excellence, which has been calling for the creation and operation of a European defensive arm.
This arm can protect the role of our country and its ports, as a major trading hub.
It can allow the transit of products towards Greece and Europe, defending our capability, not only of being safe, but also of maintaining an acceptable cost of living. As you know, the raising of the transportation costs of products after the attacks in the Red Sea, and the non-usage of the Suez Canal by many shipping companies has raised prices for Greek consumers. We therefore have to defend our citizens’ standard of living.
Furthermore, dear officers of our Armed Forces here in Rhodes, I would like to take the opportunity to tell you that we have to call a spade, a spade. Especially on the border.
Our country, Greece, has no intention of becoming a country of limited sovereignty. I was in Finland two days ago, to study their recruitment program, but, as you know, Finland has recently abandoned “Finlandisation”. Rest assured that “Finlandisation” is not going to find a new home in Greece.
In a word, our country will not waive her rights provided by International Law and the International Law of the Sea.
It is our constitutional obligation to defend these rights, which are, anyway, established by the European acquis. Which is the sum total of the rules of law of the European Union, co-signed by all member states of our Union. Our country, naturally, reserves the right of defence against any aggression at any point of our national territory, up to the last tiny islet.
Thank you very much for the opportunity of meeting today. It has been a great honour and joy for me.”
Subsequently, Mr. Dendias visited the Region of the South Aegean, where he met with the Head of Region, Giorgos Chatzimarkos.