Interview Giannis Kefalogiannis: What he said about the voluntary recruitment of women and the tenure of Stefanos Kasselakis

An interview on the subject was given by the Deputy Minister of National Defence, who referred to the voluntary recruitment of women, the participation of frigate Hydra in the European operation ASPIDS, in relations with Greece and also in aid to Ukraine. Speaking at the Open TV station, Giannis Kefalogiannis referred to relations between Greece and Turkey and noted that: “Since February 2023, there has been a recession in relation to the violations of both the airspace and the marine zones of our country. Obviously we need to be alert, there can be no complacency. The Ministry of National Defence has taken a number of initiatives, both at the level of armamental programs, and at the level of increasing fighting capacity, that, at any time, any possibility should be addressed.” For the voluntary recruitment of women he said that “in the first place we are not referring to the general population, but we will try through a process, such as reserve officers, to make use of the science of women for the benefit of the Armed Forces.” For the military service of the president of SYRIZA-PS, Stefanos Kasselakis said, among other things, that “Mr. Kasselakis, like any Greek citizen, serves his term under the legislation in question without having the slightest privilege in relation to the rest.” For the migration flows “which have increased in the last 24 hours south of Crete in Gavdos”, he said that “it is one of the key issues to be discussed at the meeting of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with President Sisi. Egypt is a strategic ally of Greece in the Southeast Mediterranean region.” Referring to “the treatment of migratory or refugee flows” Mr.Kefhaloyannis said, among other things, that “the collection and processing of information on such issues is of national importance. Greece, a host country as a member of the European Union, a Schengen member and located in the region of the European Union, has cooperation at European level.” For Fregata “HYDRA” he reiterated that “the main reason for the country’s participation is the fact that one of the most important passages for maritime transport worldwide must remain open. In essence, we are preventing future price increases on products due to the circle of Africa that should be carried out in order to move from Asia to Europe. Greece has geostrategic importance and keeping the channel open brings direct revenue to the Greek economy.” For defence support in Ukraine Mr. Kefalogiannis reiterated that “we stand by the side of the Ukrainian people at all times, through the mission of humanitarian and defence material […] whatever leaves the country, regardless of whether it is intended for Ukraine or not, is operationally unnecessary equipment according to the Staff”. He added that: “All procedures, I want to be clear about this, have not been concealed from parties and Parliament. There have been discussions in the Committee on Armament Programs, of course closed doors and with confidentiality.”