Greek minister: Imposing Rama, Speaking Different in NATO

Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos has commented on Prime Minister Edi Rama's recent statements on bilateral relations.

Cammenos has singled out not only the government chief's statements, but also, as “certain movements are made about the Greek minority in Albania”.

But Kammenos has indicated that despite statements, Rama faces most of the Albanian people.

Kamenos, who is chairman of the right-wing party “Independent Greek” and the only ally in the government coalition led by Alexis Tsipras, made those comments during a press conference in Thessaloniki, where he was questioned by reporters for more than an hour and a half.

Cammenos was also asked about developments regarding the general local plan in Himara, and if he considered Edi Rama's provocation to tear down some facilities there.

Kamenos: True, at the level of verbal statements, Mr. Rama is provocative. And in parallel, some of the movements that become around the minority. However, I consider Rama facing most of the Albanian people, even people who have been immigrants to Greece, people related to Greece, people who seek Greek citizenship. And I consider that I will receive the answer from the Albanian people for this extremist behaviour towards our country.

Cammenos said statements considered provocative in Athens could influence Albania's isolation and that they have no connection with statements Albanian government officials make at international forums.

I consider that efforts by extremist elements to create problems with the Greek minority of the Northern Epirus, the only result they can have is Albania's isolation. I want to tell you that when we meet abroad, on the level of statements, they're very careful. Albania, although it does not have sea fleets, sent a ship compounding the SNMG2 in the Aegean Sea as part of NATO's joint operation. And never the statements made at NATO level are like Mr. Rama's public statements.

After referring to the fact that last month fireplanes were sent from Greece that, as he said, operated not only on minority villages but on all of Albania where necessary, the Greek defence minister said: I don't think there's any reason to continue this policy of provocation.

The Greek defence minister was also asked about the very controversial issue of seven Albanian recruits who had been photographed inside a military environment at the beginning of the year, making the mark of the eagle. In contrast, Cammenos was much softer in his procurement.

They received the envisioned sentences, both from me and from the chief of general staff. But you should know that image that was presented wasn't real. They are one exception. There are boys who appear in the army and who are not <x0...who are <x0... And they're great soldiers. They carry out their task and see Greece as second place. I want to be absolutely right. Most of them are patriots and feel Greeks, like everyone else. / Lapsy