EVANGELOS MEIMARAKIS Minister of Defence

Foreign Policy:
The new Democracy has pursued a very effective foreign policy. Whether or not the Eurovision contest can be said to send a political message, Greek analysts noted an unprecedented display of regional solidarity. Turkey and Albania, countries that held a strongly negative image of Greece in the 1990s, gave full points to Helena Paparizou, the eventual winner of the Eurovision song contest. The traditionally fraught relations between Turkey and Greece have been diffused somewhat by the government's focus on diplomacy and its support of the Turks' did to modernize and join the European Union -a bid which will benefit Greece and the region, especially in terms of security. How does your ministry fit into the new Democracy government's foreign policy framework?

Greece aims at the consolidation of peace, stability and security in our wider region. We are working intensively within international organizations and developing bilateral relations, based on equality, with the states in the region, in order to create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. Towards this direction, we keep on working to improve relations between Greece and Turkey and eliminate tension in the region by promoting our bilateral cooperation in sectors of mutual interest. Our military cooperation includes the implementation of a number of agreements on Confidence Building Measures, which aim at developing a spirit of mutual trust. We support Turkey's European perspective. However, Turkey has to take into account that its European course requires full conformity with the criteria of the negotiating framework with the EU. Turkey's practice of infringing the air traffic regulation, entering the Athens FIR and violating the Greek national air space and territorial waters must stop. It is obvious that the neighbouring country must change its approach to certain issues. The anachronistic idea of casus belli does not align with the course of the neighbouring country towards Europe, and it does not contribute to the effort of bilateral consultation and cooperation.
The Ministry of National Defense is in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in contributing actively to the promotion of national interests based on military diplomacy and participation in international organizations and defense structures. With Mrs. Bakoyianni, we cooperate closely in order to achieve the national goals.

For now, Greek troops will stay in Afghanistan. As Minister of Defense what is your vision of Greece's participation in this arena and its wider relation with wider geopolitical developments?

It is common knowledge that the international geopolitical and geostrategic environment is characterized by dynamically volatile and unpredictable developments, rivalries and new challenges in terms of security. Within this context, Greece supports the efforts of the Afghanis to set their country within the orbit of democracy. During the last couple of years, progress has been witnessed in Afghanistan. The presidential elections and the adoption of the Constitution are the first steps of a very long course towards expanding the country's political and financial stability. On our part, we support ISAF's arduous effort, which proves that Afghanistan remains NATO's first priority. Since 2002, Greece has contributed approximately 200 military personnel to ISAF, as well as an aircraft for humanitarian aid transportation. Since August 2005, a medical unit of the Greek Army has been incorporated into ISAF. Besides, Greece has successfully participated in the Kabul Airport Command exercise, from December 2005 until March 2006. The overall Greek contribution for the period 1998-2005, bilaterally or in collaboration with the international organizations, has come up to 27,05 million euros. Greece has also undertaken the reconstruction of the Kabul museum and contributed 680,000 euros to this effort. An additional amount of 3 million euros has been disbursed for the period 2005-2007. Recently in the London Summit, Greece has announced the allocation of a five million euros fund in order to assist the development in the sectors of education and health and the creation of infrastructure networks, as well as to enhance business capability.

How would you characterize your relationship with the UK in the strategic area of defense?

As a member of the Alliance, Britain is confronting jointly the new challenges and contributing to stability in the Euro-Atlantic field. It played, indeed, a leading role in the adaptation of NATO's mission to the new conditions. The Alliance keeps on playing a central role in maintaining stability and security, and Britain, at the same time, just as Greece, contributes to the establishment of these new relations in Europe. Respect for international legality and international treaties; inviolability of borders; protection of human rights and implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions constitute the fundamental preconditions for the consolidation of peace, and the achievement of common goals set by both countries' foreign policy.

Security:
Greece plays a strategic role in South East Europe as evidenced by its coordination of the Energy Community Treaty last year. This role extends to the field of defense where Greece was one of thirteen South-eastern European countries that attended a meeting of Defense Ministers hosted by Donald Rumsfeld last November. Please share some of the conclusions of this discussion of non-proliferation, border security, peace-keeping and regional exercises promises with readers of The Telegraph.

In the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East, a number of sources of destabilization continue to exist, but fortunately, we do not have to encounter the strain of past crises. Greece has been working with responsibility and insistence, at all levels, in order to achieve its major goal, namely the consolidation of peace in our wider region. This is the New Democracy government's unwavering position as well as the Prime Minister's himself, Mr. Kostas Karamanlis. Our country's long course in the Euro-Atlantic Alliance and the EU has appointed Greece as "pillar-state" to security, stability and development in the region.
Through cooperation among the South Eastern European Defense Ministries, as well as through a number of initiatives and activities, we are building up a regional security system seamlessly enhancing it on a daily basis, in which Greece plays a vital role. We believe in an even deeper and more extensive cooperation among the South Eastern European countries' Defense Ministries. Therefore, we support the defense ministers of Bosnia -Herzegovina and Serbia-Montenegro's participation as observers in our ministerial Summits. We have witnessed with great interest the progress achieved by the new member-countries' armed forces in NATO's structures, and we continue to support them.
As far as the meeting in Washington is concerned, the participating ministers welcomed Ukraine in the SEDM process as a new member, for its participation gives a new dimension to regional cooperation. They also pointed out that this cooperation in the context of ISAF would strengthen relations between the participating states in SEDM.

Greece hopes to promote closer participation and greater regional stability with plans for Greece to set up a rapid-reaction military force with Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus to manage any crisis arising in the area. We are keen to understand exactly how this collaboration will work and how you hope to achieve your aims through this new force.

As it has been pointed out by all participants in the Brussels Summit, including the High Representative of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Mr. Solana, and the British Defense Minister, Mr. Reid who chaired the assembly, the signing of the agreement on the formation of Balkan Battle Group, with Greece as frame-nation and Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania as members, was the most important event. The Battle Group will be operationally ready in 2007. This initiative has received extensive approval, since it will enable the EU to cover the gap pertaining to the member-states' commitments. Therefore, the EU is able now to declare the readiness of Battle Groups to enter their final operational capability stage. It is noteworthy mentioning that Greece is participating in an additional Amphibious Battle Group along with Spain, Italy and Portugal.

The Olympic Games demonstrated the country's capacities in terms of ensuring the security of the country. How would you reassure the readers of the Telegraph about the safety and stability of Greece and the wider region?

The developments in the wider region of South Eastern Europe evince that through the assistance of international community the sensitive balances in the area are restored, and a safe environment is forged setting the foundation for financial development and prosperity of the people. Constant modernization of the Balkan countries, their integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures as well as their democratization proves that during the last 15 years a number of things have changed. Today, Greece's international image depicts a country with a firm democratic system of government, powerful armed forces and intense political, diplomatic and financial presence in the region. The recent successful organization of the Olympic Games in Athens has provided once more tangible evidence that Greece is able to carry out and guarantee the safe conduct of great events.

Do you feel that the security of the country is an advantage in terms of investment and tourism?

The aforementioned certain policies have developed a regional security and stability environment, in which freedom of transactions, smooth market operation and protection and promotion of national economic interests, are ensured in a volatile and often unpredictable security environment. In attracting investments, political stability and safety of conditions is required. It is proved, day by day, that Greece is a safe country for both, investors and visitors.

How has the recent phone-tapping scandal effected people's perceptions of this?

I do not believe that these recent developments have changed in any way how investors or tourists view Greece. It is an issue that the Greek Justice is dealing with, and indeed I cannot see, even if I try to, how this could affect any individual interested in savouring the county's beauties or investing in a robust economy that grows rapidly. Greece is situated at the crossroads between West and East. This geopolitical position, its robust economy and its membership in the EU and NATO, make it an attractive destination for investors.

Increasing Transparency in the Defense Sector:
The PASOK government's military spending was not properly registered and expenses were significantly revised under the New Democracy government. We are keen to understand the changes you have made in this area and their part in the restoration of fiscal stability.

Regarding defense expenses, the fact that the armament programs had been funded by two sources: the budget of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Finance, had produced problems to the European Union (EUROSTAT), concerning the country's Public Dept and the overall deficit. Besides, it had created difficulties to the Ministry of Defense itself in identifying and registering precisely the ministry's obligations, a process that required arduous efforts.

What ongoing efforts are you making to enhance transparency with regards to public tenders and defense expenditure?

We have adopted a legislative framework on Defense Materiel Procurement compatible with the Community law, which ensures the principles of transparency, publicity, free and fair competition, equal opportunities for all and effectiveness. The new legislation introduces innovations such as the mandatory and preventive inspection of contracts by the Court of Auditors, which, in turn, inform the Parliament on the results; and the drawing-up of investment reports so as, at the end, the legality and effectiveness of procurements could be inspected. It also prohibits the personnel from serving longer than three consecutive years in the Procurement services. Moreover, modern ways of funding are being adopted, and defense procurements will be conducted mainly via open requests for tenders or via agreements between states, while procurements through a negotiated tender mandate will be limited. Finally, the new law ensures the maximum possible participation and strengthening of the domestic defense industry.

The Defence Industry:
EU defense ministers adopted a plan in November 2005 to open up their 30bln Euro arms industry to cross-border competition in a bid to help secure lower costs. The plan is voluntary and non-dinding but most members are expected to take part. What is the position of the Ministry of Defense on this new development?

Greece's declared willingness to support the European Defense Agency (EDA) mechanism has developed a favourable context for the participation of small-medium size businesses in joint European development and production programs. The small-medium size businesses, as well as the safeguarding of procurements and offsets have been, indeed, the main focus of the relevant Greek proposal forwarded to the Chief Executive of the EDA. Moreover, a process for further elaboration on these issues has already initiated.

The defense industry's role is of critical importance in the New Democracy government's push to improve the competitiveness of the Greek economy. Please share with the readers of the Telegraph how public and private industry is beginning to flourish?

The promotion and strengthening of the Greek defense industry is, indeed, one of the main priorities of the Ministry of National Defense's political leadership, since we believe, above all, that the Greek defense industry with the development of the appropriate conditions could become the center for receiving, adapting and disseminating technology into the rest of the economy. The country's overall economy and economic growth could benefit a great deal from the development of defense industry. The aforementioned new law on procurements provides for a mandatory participation, at least 35%, of the Greek domestic defense industries in Greek Armed Forces' armament programs. In 2004 and 2005, a number of armament programs amounting to 178 and 300 million euros respectively were implemented, whilst for the period 2006-2010 the implementation of a series of programs amounting to 1.400 million euros are scheduled.

The New Democracy government is keen to promote more high-tech industry and jobs within the country. Greece's image abroad is still that of a beautiful but traditional country. Please share with the readers of the Telegraph examples of Greece's achievements in the defense industry.

The new technologies have been developing rapidly, and their use by the Defense sector gradually becomes more and more imperative.

The Ministry of National Defense exploits technology, quality and productive capability of defense industries, which have developed into modern, high-standard industries, with the Hellenic Aerospace Industry and the Hellenic Defense Systems as protagonists. Today, apart from having implemented major programs of the Greek public sector, particularly of the MoND, they have also participated into international industrial cooperation initiatives as equal partners. At this point, I would like to note that cooperation with various relevant international industries has provided the modern Hellenic Aerospace Industry with the necessary know-how for its dynamic participation in the development and adaptation of new technologies, such as satellite communication systems, unmanned aircrafts, aircrafts co-production, development of ground Aircraft Servicing and high quality maintenance etc.

Finally, as a recent appointment to this post, we are keen to understand what your personal hopes and ambitions are for your time here. What legacy do you hope to leave?

My appointment as Minister of National Defense is a challenge for me just like it would have been for somebody who would be called upon to undertake a new responsibility after having accomplished their task in their current position. We are all aware that these roles do not and cannot be carried out for long. It is true that those assigned to these positions are tasked to serve citizens, and citizens expect them to change their lives making them better; to improve the quality of their everyday living; to ensure security and stability; and to set up the foundation for a better future for our children. Being fully aware of my responsibility, I realize that, maintenance of the Armed Forces' battle worthiness, their modernization, and minimization of their operational costs requires unflagging activity and arduous effort.