Nikos Dendias, Minister of National Defence, «empties» Mitsotakis, stressing that the Monument of the Unknown Soldier should not be used for political purposes. In a statement, he stressed that the monument is a place of national memory, unity and respect for those who sacrificed for the homeland, and that the Ministry and the Armed Forces they will not turn it into a political or divisive tool. At the same time, he stressed that the respect for the dead of the National Games is a collective responsibility, separating its position from any political exploitation of the region.
In his statement Mr. Dendias said:
«The Monument of the Unknown Soldier is a place intertwined with national memory. It is a monument to pay respect to those who sacrificed for the Fatherland and the Nation. A place of unity and unanimity. It should not be used as a means of expressing political aspirations. It is an end in itself.
As the President of the Republic rightly mentioned, the ideal way to examine how we want the Monument of the Unknown Soldier to be is to sterilize it from the current political news, as a timeless symbol of the National Games.
After the tragedy of Tempi, the area in front of the Monument was linked to the universal demand of society for justice. Besides, the Prime Minister himself, with his presence at the site, expressed his respect for the victims.
The Monument of the Unknown Soldier unites Greeks now and forever. The Ministry of National Defence and the Armed Forces will not treat it as an object of political exercise and division of society. We will move in this direction. Respect for the dead of the National Games and for history is a collective duty and responsibility of all of us.».
It is recalled that Nikos Dendias was absent from Mitsotakis' speech on the monument to the Unknown Soldier.
