Galery

1

The dialogue between Greece and the US on cooperation between the two countries and within NATO is growing into a dispute that is already affecting bilateral relations. The contentious issue is the establishment of a military base on the island of Karpathos, according to Defence Minister Panos Kamenos.

The topic elicited reactions both within the government and SYRIZA. It is either because no one in the government wants this discussion right now, or because the party is against the pompous way Kamenos presents the matter.

The topic concerns the presence and actions of the US and NATO in one of the volatile areas of the planet. According to reliable diplomatic sources, however, this is just another reason for the talks to be serious and robust, so that the country's positions might be strengthened and national interests safeguarded.

According to the same sources, the US have asked the government to facilitate the establishment of an additional base for drones and other services. The Americans seem to believe that Castelli on Crete is a suitable place, in particular where the new airport is planned. But the Greek military and diplomats are not in the mood for such a discussion, and it is therefore put on hold for the time being: the government priorities are different right now.

Kamenos’ official proposal is that the base be located on the Aegean island of Karpathos. According to a diplomatic source, the reason is that the island is considered demilitarized. If the US establish a base there, this will give a new direction to the debate about the demilitarization of the Dodecanese islands, which, as we know, Greece does not accept.

The debates are simmering away from the parties and parliament. Neither Syriza, nor Kamenos’ Independent Greeks want friction within the government, hence the fire is sustained through public statements, innuendo and oblique exchanges. SYRIZA's negative opinion is presented through partisan rants by Deputy Minister of Defence Costas Isychos. Time and time again, he declares that the establishment of a base in the Aegean Sea is not in the plans of the government. This typically triggers a reaction by his boss Panos Kamenos, which leads to confusion reigning supreme.

Kamenos almost daily announces his staunch support for the US and NATO, despite the mishap with the meeting with his American counterpart cancelled by the latter. But SYRIZA, although it hasn't openly questioned the country's orientation, is struggling to make decisions, which might open rifts in the government coalition.

As a government source said in Kathimerini, if and when an agreement is made with the US and NATO, these issues will anyway have to be approved by parliament - and it is not urgent for the time being.

The defence minister’s zeal and his desire to always be one step ahead of SYRIZA with actions that do not seem to have been agreed, are causing frustration in the government headquarters. Nonetheless, ministers and party cadres are recommended to avoid making too much noise.

The same sources believe that if an agreement with creditors is struck, Tsipras is likely to be invited to Washington for talks on the subject of US military bases in Greece.