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EL.AS.: Harsh criticism over Greek Patriots in Saudi Arabia – 'Which national interest do they serve there?'
🇬🇷 Greece /Conflict & Security

EL.AS.: Harsh criticism over Greek Patriots in Saudi Arabia – 'Which national interest do they serve there?'

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Greece's EL.AS. criticized the government for sending Patriot missile systems to Saudi Arabia.
  • The party questioned the national interest served by deploying Greek forces in the region.
  • EL.AS. warned of increased risks due to the deployment, especially as Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with Turkey.

Greece's EL.AS. political party has launched a strong criticism against the government's decision to deploy Greek Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia. This comes in response to recent incidents where the Greek anti-aircraft system was activated to intercept drones and ballistic missiles launched from Yemen.

EL.AS. stated that these developments are not cause for celebration but highlight Greece's "dangerous entanglement in the region's conflicts." The party is demanding an explanation from the government regarding the national benefit of having Greek Patriots and military personnel stationed in Saudi Arabia. They argue that Greece is taking on increased risks, particularly as Saudi Arabia deepens its relationship with Turkey.

"The government must answer the Greek people how our national interests are served when Greece is exposed to dangers by sending Patriots and military personnel to Saudi Arabia, while the Saudi leadership enters into cooperation agreements with Turkey and coordinates with Ankara on regional developments, both bilaterally and within new multilateral frameworks," EL.AS. stated. The party also recalled that Alexis Tsipras, leader of EL.AS., had previously opposed the deployment in 2021, arguing it undermined Greece's security and its role as a factor for peace and stability.

EL.AS. concluded by emphasizing that without a substantial international initiative, particularly from the European Union, to address the multiple crises in the Middle East, the risks of destabilization and the spread of conflict throughout the region will continue to grow.

The government must answer the Greek people how our national interests are served when Greece is exposed to dangers by sending Patriots and military personnel to Saudi Arabia, while the Saudi leadership enters into cooperation agreements with Turkey and coordinates with Ankara on regional developments, both bilaterally and within new multilateral frameworks.

— EL.AS.Statement questioning the national benefit and risks of deploying Greek forces in Saudi Arabia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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