The message that “Greece is present with force wherever national duty calls,” clarifying that “the mission in Cyprus is defensive and peaceful,” was delivered by Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his briefing in Parliament, on the occasion of his intervention in the debate on the absentee voting bill for Greeks abroad.

The Prime Minister also left open the possibility of “preventive measures to avoid negative consequences from the crisis,” stating that “if necessary, special measures will be taken to control excessive price increases.”

He further emphasized that Greece’s position regarding the Middle East crisis is “de-escalation of conflicts and a return to diplomacy, with respect for International Law.”

Finally, he called for “the small and partisan interests to yield to the greater national ones” and for “consensus to prevail over divisive slogans,” urging the “professional worriers” about Greece’s stance and international position “to understand that foreign and defense policy is conducted not on ideological but on national grounds.”

The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is currently briefing Parliament on developments both in the Middle East and in Cyprus, with a special reference to the defense support provided by Greece.

Highlights from the Prime Minister’s speech:

• The Foreign Minister will be ready to brief all parties institutionally and in detail. I will be ready to brief party leaders privately. We have an opportunity to send a signal of national responsibility with the diaspora bill we are examining today.
• It is reasonable for Israel to respond to unprovoked attacks from Hezbollah, but a ground operation would be equally unjustified, effectively giving Hezbollah additional justification.
• I call on everyone in the chamber: small and partisan interests must give way to the larger, national ones. Opposition inwardness should yield to rational politics. Consensus must prevail over divisive slogans. Professional worriers should understand that foreign and defense policy is conducted not on ideological but on national grounds. International law cannot be invoked to justify the hangings of dictatorial regimes, nor should there be voices pushing for a generalized war in the Middle East, which creates instability and chain consequences.
• We are examining preventive measures to avoid negative consequences from the crisis. Fuel price increases are expected, but if necessary, special measures will be taken to control excessive increases.
• Increased vigilance by the Ministry of Citizen Protection is in place regarding targets of Israeli interest, while similar readiness exists at the Ministry of Migration Policy. There are no indications of increased migration flows, but the state must be prepared.
• Our focus is on Cyprus, which is much closer to the conflict zone than Greece. Greece has sent to Cyprus the pride of the Hellenic Navy, the frigate Kimon. Greece is present with force wherever national duty calls, placing its upgraded armed forces at the service of the global Greek community. Our mission is defensive and peaceful, aimed at preventing threatening actions against the independent state of Cyprus.
• There is a plan for organized repatriation under state responsibility as soon as airspace opens. The first return was the K18 unit from Aris, and the second a group of visitors from Bethlehem. I ask for understanding from Greeks in the Gulf. Ensure your safety—the state will take care of your return.
• The day after must guarantee the self-determination of a people oppressed for years, while simultaneously controlling the nuclear program so it ceases to pose a threat to international and regional peace.
• Greece’s position: We support de-escalation of conflicts and a return to diplomacy, respecting international law and maintaining the safety of international navigation.
• These are high-intensity events causing unpredictable economic consequences; the only certainty is international uncertainty.
• Dramatic developments are unfolding in Iran and the Middle East.

The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is currently briefing Parliament on developments both in the Middle East and in Cyprus, with a special reference to the defense support provided by Greece.