Imminent invasion in Syria troubles Athens
With NATO forces awaiting US president Barack Obama’s “green light” to begin joint military operations in Syria’s territory, the Greek government seems as if walking on tightrope, with the Maximos Mansion expressing its deep concern about the situation in the Middle East.
Despite the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied information which leaked via the internet, that Washington demanded the airbases at Suda Bay and Kalamata, as well as the usage of the Greek FIR, government officials are troubled by the consequences such a decision would have for the country’s heavily-burdened economy.
According to accurate information, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is already discussing with his advisors about Greece’s involvement in the joint military operations, which sooner or later will begin in Syria. But opinions seem to differ; several members of the government do not want even the smallest or indirect participation in this imminent invasion, especially at this current period, when an attempt to attract foreign investments is already under way. An open war front is something that would worsen the governmental plans for development and Samaras has already emphasised that “development must proceed uninterrupted”.
Of course, there is also the opposite opinion, which counsels Samaras to fully comply with Washington’s demands, as such a perspective would help Greece to enhance its negotiating tactics towards its foreign allies.
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(Photo of Samaras: European People’s Party)
