The issue would have been discussed in parliament earlier but the prime minister; who was out of the country due to previous obligations, wanted to be present during the discussion.
The issue was originally raised by PASOK MP Andreas Loverdos, who claims he has several documents in his possession that allegedly prove that Kammenos used an intermediary for the sale, when the law dictates that transnational arms deals should be done only between governments and without intermediaries. The sale was approved by the Greek parliament.
The defence minister presented a man named Vasilis Papadopoulos as a representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and signed a deal on Greek military ground. However, the Saudis stated that they don’t know who Papadopoulos is. Also, the Greek foreign ministry, that has by law to participate in transnational deals regarding arm procurement, was totally absent from the deal.
Furthermore, the discussions for the procurement of the projectiles were for 100,000 pieces, while the deal that was signed is for 300,000 pieces. At the same time, Papadopoulos – a convicted arms smuggler – presented himself as representing Jordan as well, and discussed sales of other Greek army surplus weapons.
New Democracy is planning to ask some crucial questions regarding the deal. At the same time, the conservative party has released a video presenting details of the case and asking some serious questions regarding Kammenos’ behaviour.
The main opposition will ask the following questions:
- If the deal has indeed been signed, where are the 66 million euros to state coffers, as Kammenos had promised?
- If it was not signed, why was it cancelled and the Greek State lost?
- Is Kammenos acquainted with Papadopoulos and what is their relation? Have they cooperated in other such cases?
- If the Saudis bought the 100,000 projectiles they had asked for, where did the other 200,000 go?
Depending on the answers given, Mitsotakis is to ask further questions regarding the defence minister’s actions.
The prime minister is prepared to defend his minister by presenting his arguments and pertinent documents. However Tsipras, is facing criticism, albeit light, from inside his party.
Syriza cabinet members and MPs have publicly expressed their reservations over the arms sale to Saudi Arabia that are most likely to be used against Yemen. Interior Minister Panos Skourletis and MPs Nikos Filis, Giorgos Kyritsis and Nikos Xydakis said on separate television appearances. The Syriza officials also spoke against the irregular participation of a middleman in the sale.
Source: GreekReporter
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