Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece is “present with strength wherever national duty calls”, describing the deployment of Greek military assets to Cyprus as a defensive and peaceful mission.
Addressing the Greek parliament during a debate on legislation concerning postal voting for expatriate Greeks, Mitsotakis said the move aims to deter threats against the Republic of Cyprus as tensions escalate in the wider region.
“The mission in Cyprus is defensive and peaceful,” he said, adding that Greece had sent the frigate Kimon, which he described as “the pride of the Greek fleet”, to the island.
Mitsotakis said Greece supports de-escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and a return to diplomacy with respect for international law.
He also warned that the unfolding developments could have significant economic repercussions, noting that fuel price increases were likely and that the government was considering preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the crisis.
“If required, special measures will be taken to control excessive price increases,” he said.
Calls for political unity and preparedness
The prime minister called for political unity, urging parties to place national interests above partisan divisions.
“I call on everyone in this chamber to allow the small and partisan to give way to the larger and national,” he said, adding that foreign and defence policy should be guided by national rather than ideological criteria.
Mitsotakis said the foreign minister would provide a detailed briefing to all political parties, while he himself would be ready to brief political leaders individually.
He also said Israeli reactions to attacks by Hezbollah were understandable but warned that a ground operation would risk strengthening the Lebanese militant group.
Security and repatriation plans
Mitsotakis said Greek authorities had increased vigilance around sites linked to Israeli interests in the country, while the migration ministry remained prepared despite no indications of increased migration flows.
He also referred to a plan for the organised repatriation of Greek citizens from the region once airspace restrictions are lifted.
The first return operation involved the youth football team Aris K18, followed by a group of travellers returning from Bethlehem, he said.
The prime minister urged Greeks currently in the Gulf region to prioritise their safety, adding that the state would ensure their return when conditions allow.
Regional outlook
Mitsotakis said the next phase of developments should guarantee the right of self-determination for people who have faced oppression for years while ensuring strict control of nuclear programmes so that they no longer threaten international and regional peace.
He also stressed the need to safeguard international maritime security.
“Events unfolding in Iran and the Middle East are dramatic,” he said, adding that the only certainty in the current environment was global uncertainty.
