With the equation of Middle East To have even more strangers than well -known variables, Athens holds the “low ball”, although the government’s high -scale concern about the prospect of broader turmoil than a large -scale war is given. In any case and as the Kyriakos MitsotakisGreece will remain out of frame, despite its strategic relationship with Israel, but also the NATO bases operating on Greek soil. OR Souda base After all, where flying tankers have been relocated, it seems that it was a significant step in the refueling of the bombers that hit the Iranian nuclear facilities by punctuation.
The Greek government, however, during the European line did not condemn the US attack on the Iranian bases, although it avoided being compiled with the full support line, with Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his Sunday message referring to the need for a return to the diplomacy table.
To yesterday KYSEA convened at the Maximos Palace was detailed by the A/GEHTH Dimitris Houpi For the situation in the field, and the internal security status was evaluated on the basis of the measures that had qualified at the respective meeting ten days ago. Competent sources told protothema.gr that no worrying activity is recorded based on information services, but this does not allow complacency. One of the less headache for the Greek authorities is that several Israeli tourists who were “trapped” in our country find a way of returning to their home country. At the same time, there was also a discussion on the status of critical infrastructure, such as the aforementioned basis of Souda, as well as other NATO bases in Greece, which are now “lobster”.
The hormoz puzzle
The most difficult exercise, however Hormone. The Iranian Parliament may have decided to close them, but this has not yet been implemented, so there is no prohibition for the passage of ships beyond the increased risk. It is obvious that Iran is “holding” the closure of the straits as a weapon, although the estimate is that any “narcotics” of the transit will also hurt the Iranian tanker interests that export oil to China and more in Asia.
The situation in the area, according to ministry sources, is dynamic and last night there were 3 ships around the Greek flag. But other sailors had an active charter and would have to enter the Persian Gulf, taking the risk (the ships are insured anyway). In any case, the Ministry of Shipping Business Cales is in line with the ships in the area and updates the Brand per six hours, recommending that they seek as much as possible the safest port in order to reduce the risks.
NATO appointment
With the “fire” of the Middle East shadowing internal political developments, it is a given that Kyriakos Mitsotakis will make extensive reference to the situation at today’s meeting with the President of the Republic. Kostas Tasoula. At the same time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis It is located in Brussels, where he will attend the extraordinary meeting of European Foreign Ministers.
On Sunday noon Mr. Mitsotakis departs for his summit NATO In The Hague, where the US President Trump, With developments in the Middle East drastically changing the agenda of the debate. So far the main topic of discussion is the increase in defense spending at 5% of GDP in the coming years. According to what has already been announced by the Secretary General of the Alliance Mark Ruttethe target concerns 3.5% purely defensive costs and 1.5% costs and investment related to safety and defense, such as infrastructure, industry and durability. The initial time horizon for the implementation of the commitment is 2035, but it has not yet been finalized and is also expected to be a matter of debate among leaders.
According to government sources, Greece agrees with the proposal of the Secretary -General, as it already spends more than 3% of its GDP in defense, therefore belonging to the hard core of alliance countries that have exceeded NATO, which is currently 2% of GDP, and the 28 -year -olds. In his speech at the leaders’ meeting, Mr Mitsotakis will point out that Greece, despite the financial difficulties, consistently adhered to its commitments, and would point out the urgent need for Europeans to invest more and more intelligently in collective European defense and form a strong European defense.