The Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos, on the subject of the recent developments in the context of research performed by Greek justice regarding the procurements system in the Armed Forces, made the following statement:
“We attentively observe the latest developments in the context of research performed by Greek justice regarding the procurements system in the Armed Forces. Besides, firm directives have already been given to all pertinent agents of the Ministry, so that they will assist, in the fastest and most effective way, justice’s task.
Shielding public interest in the delicate area of the Armed Forces, but also in general, is a stable priority of the Government under Antonis Samaras.
This was the subject of our meeting yesterday with the Prime Minister.
We develop institutional interventions, which we will soon present to the pertinent parliamentary committee, as well as changes in the practice of transactions between the state and the companies, in a way that will fully ensure transparency and protect the Armed Forces’ status, credibility and national mission.
The occurrences we see are the consequence of big armament programmes. Today, we may not carry out armament programmes, however our goal is to maintain and attain optimum performance of existing armament; through programming and effective assets management.
In the imminent future, after having formed the plan of our suggestions concerning the changes to be made at the procurements system, we will convene a joint meeting of the Parliamentary
Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armament Programs and Contracts, so as to brief their members and give hearing to their propositions, in order to form a framework plan which will be submitted for approval and adoption by the pertinent parliamentary committee, the Governmental Council on Foreign Policy and National Defence and, of course, for ratification by the Hellenic Parliament.
Moreover, I would like to remind that we have already committed before the parliament plenum that, any expense in the field of supply and maintenance – since there are no new procurements –, will be discussed by the pertinent parliamentary committee and its ratification will be asked.
Transparency and effectiveness in the Armed Forces are our unique, immovable choices and we will impose them in every way, in the framework of the Constitution and the laws”.