ATHENS – Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, in an interview with SKAI TV late on Thursday, stressed that the Souda Bay Naval Base is not under threat and remains fully protected.
“Protective measures have been upgraded, and Greece’s anti-ballistic and air-defence shield has been installed and deployed. Greek citizens can therefore feel secure,” he underlined.
He further noted that “the status of Souda is governed by the defense agreement between United States and Greece. What can take place within the base is very clearly defined,” adding that “both our navy and our air force are in a position to effectively protect every Greek citizen.”
“The facility primarily provides logistical support to the United States and is therefore not intended for offensive operations. I wish to offer assurances that all necessary measures have been taken, both by the American side and by Greece,” he said.
The foreign minister also underlined that “the deployment of Greece’s defense forces, both within Greek territory and in Cyprus, is a matter of national sovereignty. It is non-negotiable and is not subject to discussion.”
“Our defensive formation was decided in a sovereign manner,” he said, adding: “The deployment of two frigates and two pairs of fighter aircraft to Cyprus constitutes a historic, fraternal duty towards Cyprus, and we are proud that we possess the defensive capabilities to provide this assistance, which is purely defensive in nature.”
Gerapetritis also stressed that “any targeting of Cyprus would constitute a threat to Europe and would trigger the duty of solidarity towards Cyprus.”
“In a state of war such as the one we find ourselves in today, the decisions taken for the protection and security of Greek citizens are not a matter for discussion,” he added.
Asked about remarks by Turkiye earlier in the day, he said that “Ankara’s positions regarding the alleged demilitarized status of the islands of the Eastern Aegean are longstanding. These claims are entirely unfounded and bear no relation whatsoever to the legal framework governing the status of the islands.”
“Greece retains the full, unfettered right to deploy its defensive capabilities without any discussion. Turkiye’s position, as expressed, is a reaction and we reject it. What matters most is ensuring the greatest possible security for Greek citizens,” he concluded.
