Blog

Remnants of History

By George Kaklikis

NEWS – 07/06/2021
Let's end the discussion about the possibility of purchasing frigates and military equipment from countries-virtual allies that despise not only the concept of the alliance but also the intelligence of Athens. Both in relation to Turkey's arms supply and the non-invitation of Greece to conferences where it itself undoubtedly has a say.

The justifications for this unfriendly to hostile attitude are offensive to the Greek political world and the Greek citizens. Who are driven not to forget the suffering that today's strict judges and punishers have reserved for the country, who lay flowers and apologies at the Shooting Range of Kaisariani. Refusing, of course, to discuss anything about material reparations for the wounds that they opened and that these same perpetrators still keep open. What the politically insensitive accountants and their appointed representatives are placatingly declaring is directly related to what they themselves are declaring about an African country ravaged by them, for which fine words abound but no mention is made of genocide. And here, the issue is accounting!

If some in the European Union envision becoming its leaders by means other than the violent ones that were used in the past, it would be good for them to consider what their image is both in the wider Europe and outside it. In peoples whom years ago they materially and mentally injured and, just a few years ago, insulted with the inexcusable behavior of their punitive system. They forget that an honest and courageous attitude towards their victims – and not the “theatrical performances” of emotional content – ​​will contribute to the revision of their image by third parties. The same would happen with other states-troublemakers that, if they abandoned their stubborn obsession with perceptions of aggressive violence, would have a different presence on the map of humanity, inspiring the respect they so desire.

If Greece now wishes to negotiate the purchase of defense equipment with such states, it would not be surprising if it sees its image projected as a myopic little country that short-sightedly seeks inappropriate balances.

George Kaklikis is an honorary ambassador, special advisor to ELIAMEP