Mitsotakis on Cyprus: Greece is present wherever national duty calls

Mitsotakis sent messages both internally within the New Democracy party and to Israel about the war with Iran, from the floor of the Greek Parliament. He emphasized the importance of the Greek Armed Forces’ mission in Cyprus following the drone attack by Hezbollah via Lebanon, as retaliation for the Israel-US strike against Iran. Mitsotakis reiterated the narrative of political stability and indirectly responded to criticism from Kostas Karamanlis and Antonis Samaras regarding foreign policy.

The Prime Minister, who had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the previous day, publicly urged Israel not to proceed with ground operations in Lebanon, stressing the risk of igniting a new front closer to Cyprus and Greece.

He left open the possibility of preventive measures to address the economic and, more specifically, the energy consequences of the war with Iran, while warning of inspections and fines in cases of profiteering.

“Our mission in Cyprus is defensive and peaceful”

The Prime Minister specifically stated that the government is focused on Cyprus, which, as he pointed out, is “the limb of Hellenism and unfortunately is closer than Greece to the war zone”. He reminded that after communication with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Greece sent “the pride of the Greek fleet, the frigate Kimon, the frigate Psara, and four F16 fighter jets” to Cyprus.

Mitsotakis declared: “Greece is present with responsibility and strength, wherever national duty calls, placing the upgraded Armed Forces in the service of universal Hellenism.”

He emphasized that: “Our mission is a defensive and peaceful mission. It is based on both bilateral and European solidarity with one sole aim: to prevent any hostile actions against the independent state of Cyprus. This, I think, is of special significance, as it demonstrates in practice how we understand the strengthening of our country and Armed Forces and our diplomatic reach.”

This statement indirectly addressed concerns about Greece’s involvement in the war against Iran and the claim that the Greek mission in Cyprus primarily aims to protect British bases from which US forces operate.

Increased security for potential targets

“The first to help Cyprus was Greece. Following us – and this demonstrates that the threat to Cyprus is a threat to the EU – France, possibly Germany, and the United Kingdom, declared their readiness to send vessels and air defense systems,” Mitsotakis also said.

He further noted: “I will not publicly list all the aspects of our cooperation with Nicosia,” and emphasized that references to the Armed Forces should be minimal. He confirmed that “of course, the guarding of potential targets is increased,” and the same applies at the level of the Ministry of Civil Protection for potential targets related to the involved countries, namely Israel and the US, although he did not name them specifically.

Scenarios for migration – Open to measures for fuel price increases

The Prime Minister also mentioned that the Ministry of Migration is considering scenarios for the aftermath of the conflict, as war zones are often followed by population movements.

“To be clear: such a thing is not currently visible. However, it is necessary for the country to be prepared for any possible development across all fields. This is being done in a consistent, methodical, and quiet manner,” he added.

Mitsotakis left open the possibility of a “fuel pass”, warning those who engage in price gouging on fuel prices.

“Clearly, the developments affect the economy, energy prices. Therefore, the competent ministries are ready, if necessary, to adjust our actions,” he said, adding: “We are already considering preventive measures to absorb, as much as possible, the consequences.”

He further stated: “Fuel price increases are inevitable. However, there is a difference between moderate increases and unchecked profiteering. Therefore, if necessary, special measures will be taken to control any excessive price hikes.”

Narrative of stability and response to the “professional worriers”

Mitsotakis reiterated the narrative of political stability and extended a new invitation for consensus with the opposition parties.

“The internal stability of the country is a prerequisite for security and progress, calling on all of us in this room to understand that it is time for small, partisan issues to give way to the larger, national ones. And for the internal opposition to give way to a broader perspective and for the consensus that unites to prevail over slogans that divide,” said the Prime Minister. He also called on the opposition parties “to give a first sign of responsibility and national unity with our stance today on the bill for the vote of expatriates.”

In a sharp remark to the internal party and from the right of New Democracy: “Let the professional worriers think about all this regarding the responsible position of the country and international law. And realize that foreign and defense policy is not carried out with ideological, but with national criteria.”

He also said to the opposition: “Yes, international law cannot be used to justify the hangings of authoritarian regimes, but neither should positions be heard that fuel a generalized conflict in the Middle East.” He added: “A generalized war in the Middle East – we know from history – does not produce winners, only instability, crises, and chain reactions all the way to Europe.”

Unjustifiable for Israel to conduct extensive ground operations in Lebanon

Mitsotakis mentioned that since Saturday, he has been in contact with all the leaders of Middle Eastern countries, delivering a message for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.

He did not hide his concern, particularly about the developments in southern Lebanon. He reminded that he had spoken with Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Khalil Aoun the day before. He added:

“It is logical that Israel would try to respond to unprovoked attacks from Hezbollah. However, today, an extensive ground operation would be equally unjustifiable, as it would lead to the ignition of another front in the Middle East, providing additional arguments and strengthening Hezbollah.”

He declared that Greece has decided to play a role in stabilizing the region so that a new front does not open closer to Greek and Cypriot territory.

Finally, he reassured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a special plan to carry out an organized repatriation of Greeks who have been stranded in the countries of the Persian Gulf when it becomes possible.

He urged the Greeks stranded in Gulf countries “to show patience and understanding, knowing that the state will ensure that, as soon as possible, they can return.