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THE PUBLISHER'S CONCERNS

Lieutenant General (retd.) H. KAZOUKAS

We have hopefully reached the end of the year 2002.

"PROBLIMATISMOI" has already completed two years of existence, with a clear effort to provide valid and timely information to members and friends on the issues that concern today's international and Greek reality, with the ultimate goal of approaching the national interest within the framework of the non-committal course of EL.E.S.M.E.

The latter has completed more than eight years of steady and prudent progress with a series of studies on almost all national issues, seminars, conferences and targeted interventions. In 2002 it closed with the conference "ASYMMETRICAL THREATS" and in 2003 it will close with the two-day conference "STRATEGY 2003".

But how did our national issues fare in the outgoing year, and what "tails", perhaps "heads", do they leave for the promising 2003?

Cyprus issue. Cyprus and Greece, after centuries of expectations, long-standing struggles and sacrifices for the long-awaited union, are joining the United Europe as two partners. Both, tomorrow's European citizens. Common flag, the European star. Common anthem, the European. Common language, English. Common European culture after Charlemagne. Supreme value, with kneeling servants, money, and even in euros. This suits us very well! When in the last twenty-eight years and more we have accepted the fait accompli with apathy. We were not inspired by the past, nor by the modern liberation guerrilla war of the neighboring Palestinians.

The EU and the UN's desire to resolve the Cyprus problem by February 28, 2003, is a requirement of the accession agreements.

Inevitably, then, we will end up adopting the Annan plan, a plan that restores the conditions of the Zurich Agreement and even under more difficult conditions, with the main feature of a divided Cyprus under the cover of a loose confederation and the safety nets of the supreme state authority and the separate state entities. An original, illiberal, puppet-led state, which may become, in whole or in part, through its constituent terms, a model for the resolution of other national disputes. The Cypriot nation is a reality and we are happy, satisfied and obliged to applaud, relieved hikers from the release of an unbearable burden.

After all this, Cyprus gains prestige and the European acquis that will not apply in its own territory. It is not insured and is financially burdened, since it also burdens the poor Turkish Cypriots.

Skopje. It still remains unresolved, despite the expiration, on October 13, 2002, of the validity of the interim seven-year agreement signed by Greece and FYROM. In the seven years and more, Greece has emerged as the second most important trading partner of Skopje, which enjoys the benefits of economic support and development and not only, since they flood our beaches and universities for holidays and studies. They take what they can and insist unyieldingly on being called "Macedonia". The road is long. A full stomach gives rise to other appetites.

Euroarmy. It seems like a utopia, since the EU has not decided to create the conditions for the organization, operation and support of an independent army with a common European mission, means and predetermined operational limits. Thus, the issue, untouched and probably without the benefits expected by Greece, is owed to the Greek European presidency that takes over in 2003, and perhaps should delimit the weaning of the EU from the USA.

Immigration. It is now seriously preoccupying the Greek state, since today immigrants constitute 7% (multiplied by two) of the Greek population and in 2015 they will reach 25%, according to UN estimates. It was decided, therefore, after a study-proposal by Panteion University and the sum of 260 million euros was approved for the implementation of a program for the acceptance and smooth integration of immigrants into the Greek reality. An attempt, therefore, of Hellenization within the framework of states of multicultural societies, a situation that is increasingly becoming entrenched in the European peoples.

Demographics. The countryside is being deserted, urban sprawl is growing, the low birth rate is increasing, the aging of the population is increasing, unemployment remains consistently high, illegal immigration continues. The demographic problem in all its glory with impacts on society, the economy, development, security, national defense and mainly on the population composition of the nation. Immediate measures are needed to solve it.

Turkey. It insists on defending what it considers to be its vital interests. Because there is no other explanation for the behavior it has displayed, seeking the consent of Greece, visiting European and American decision-making centers to beg for a date for the start of EU accession talks and at the same time violating borders and international rules in the Aegean, unless it does not want accession and is maintaining the status quo in order to increase the flow of European and American capital into the inflated Turkish economy. A largely dishonest stance. Nevertheless, it has taken a date for the year 2004, with a clear intention to contribute to the resolution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the current Annan plan, which undoubtedly favors it and establishes it as a legitimate partner in Cyprus. Now, whether the oriental mantilla of the Turkish woman has a place standing next to the freshly combed hair of the European woman and the minaret of Notre Dame de Paris, is a matter of enlightenment for the European gentleman from the latter. Hopefully, because with the downhill path we have taken and the stooping back and defeatism that distinguishes us, we will have nowhere to stand if Turkey ever becomes a partner of the EU.

National Defense. A key pillar for the practice of independent, national diplomacy and policy. Despite any unfortunate political interventions and inappropriate experimentation, the Armed Forces remain the guarantee of National Security, occupying the top position among the other institutions of the state, in the trust and esteem of the Greek people.

Necessary reorganization and necessary modernization of material and means, but within the framework of the unhindered execution of the main mission and certainly the observance of tested patterns and timeless values. The principles of strategy and the rules of tactics remain unchanged. Only the means that may differentiate the way they are applied change. A sensitive area, which requires prudence, modesty and not a tendency towards arrogant leadership. The contribution and advice of the military leadership must have a decisive role in matters of national defense. They are the ones who are the ones who make the decisions.

Europe. The EU accepted into its fold with the Copenhagen agreement (December 12, 2002) all ten countries in order to become the economic power of the twenty-five countries. It acquires strategic footholds in the Baltics, Eastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. The need to distribute wealth to more countries and many poorer than Greece makes the real convergence of the Greek economy with the European one more difficult. The taps are running dry. The upcoming Greek European presidency must study and set the limits and strengths of the expanding EU in both geographical and economic contexts.

The nation is increasingly shrinking and losing its value in the face of the Europe of civil societies. It is becoming a refuge for the pleasures and good times of a selfish family minority, moving in the living rooms of Brussels, Paris and Athens.

And the people move sluggishly, financially indebted, with a large portion, 25%, below the poverty line, squeezed between illegal immigrants, European and other tourist-citizens, without ideals and values, without visions and perspective, to defend themselves and survive from the new mild forms of aggressive intrusions.

And all of the above unfolds in the shadow of a guided tension over royal assets, through terrorism and terror, and in the dazzling television presentations of farmers' salons and euphemistically "academies" of singers.

When you receive this issue, you will have tasted the first joys of the new year. Along with your many hopes and wishes, please accept ours for a better, individual, family and national year 2003.