The Minister of National Defence Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos met today at the Ministry of National Defence with the President of LA.O.S (People’s Orthodox Rally) Mr. Giorgos Karatzaferis who was informed, at the presence of the political and military leadership, on the National Defence System.

After the conclusion of the meeting, the following statements were made.

D. AVRAMOPOULOS: I would like to thank the President of LAOS Mr. Karatzaferis for his visit today and to welcome him, on behalf of the political and military leadership.

Mr. President was informed on the country’s National Defence System by the military leadership, as well as by me and I have to say that our meeting today was particularly essential and constructive, especially at a difficult circumstance for this country.

I had the chance to say to Mr. President, and I want to repeat it, that this part of our national system, National Defence, due to high morale, effectiveness and an Army who disposes one of the most modern weapon systems, ensures and guarantees the country’s security and integrity.

I would like to thank once more Mr. President for his visit. On the occasion of today’s meeting, I would like to say that us all in the Ministry of National Defence – where, as it is known, all three parties supporting the government of national consent are represented – in the spirit of understanding and cooperation, we accomplish to full extent our duty, corresponding to the mission assigned to us by the Hellenic people.

G. KARATZAFERIS: Mr. Minister and I belong to the same “training series”, since we are at the heart of the Army, we entered together the Parliament and if we unwind the memories we will find a course of common battles. Consequently, communication and exchange of views between us is easy. I really had a complete briefing.

I am leaving, feeling pleased. Throughout the briefing, I was thinking that if we could spread this spirit of solidarity developed by the Ministers of National Defence, Mr. Avramopoulos from the Nea Demokratia party, Mr. Georgiou from LAOS, and Mr. Ragoussis, as well as the Deputy Minister, to the way politics is exercised beyond the Armed Forces, then we could be very optimistic for all what the Greek people expect in the upcoming semester.

Mister Minister, thank you very much.