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Sheikh Qassem: Resistance is a source of power for Lebanon that must be preserved.
Sheikh Qassem: "Israel" must implement the agreement as Lebanon has already done so, and any new accord would amount to absolving it and opening the door to further attacks.
Sheikh Qassem: We do not wish to assume anyone's role; those accusing us of this must cease their accusations.
Sheikh Qassem: We will recover our lands through national solidarity; Resistance's goal is national liberation, while enemy goal is occupation.
Sheikh Qassem: Protection of sovereignty protects Lebanon. It is in real danger because of US belligerence, greedy Israeli expansion.
Qassem to Lebanese people: We are not asking for support but for us not to be stabbed in the back in the back or for some to serve Israeli interests; government is primary party responsible for [preservation of] sovereignty.
Sheikh Qassem: "Israel" can occupy, but it cannot persist in occupation of our land.
Sheikh Qassem: Intimidation will not change our stance of resistance and steadfastness. We are not advocates of surrender or defeat, and we will never accept it.
Sheikh Qassem: Where does US stand regarding enemy's unjustified assassination of a government worker and other civilian martyrs?
Sheikh Qassem: Is the Lebanese Army's defense of its land and citizens an accusation [leveled against it]? Where does US stand regarding the enemy's killing of civilians and constant destruction?

Washington, Athens Talks to Extend Defense Agreements

  • By Al Mayadeen
  • Source: Agencies
  • 12 Sep 2021 21:42
2 Min Read

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reveals ongoing talks with the US to discuss a five-year extension to the defense cooperation agreement so that they wouldn't have to renew it on an annual basis.

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  • Athens and Washington signed a defense pact in 2019.
    Athens and Washington signed a defense pact in 2019

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis revealed on Sunday that Greece and the United States are discussing extending their defense deals by five years instead of the one-year renewal currently in action.

"We are discussing a five-year extension to the defense cooperation agreement so that we don't have to renew it on an annual basis," Mitsotakis said in a news conference at the Thessaloniki International Fair. 

He added that there would be "a more important presence of the United States in our country, perhaps in areas where it does not currently have a presence," without going into further details.

Mitsotakis stressed that the strategic cooperation between Greece and the United States is "at its best".

Athens and Washington signed a defense agreement in 2019 that allows US forces to make greater use of Greek military facilities, during a visit by the then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Related News

KSA seeks US defense pact in exchange of 'Israel' deal: Reuters

But the Greek Prime Minister said today that this "does not close the door to other strategic agreements", praising a continuing "very close" relationship with France.

Rafale joins the ranks of the Hellenic Air Force

In January, Greece and France signed a 2.5 billion euro ($3 billion) deal to buy 18 used plus 6 new Rafale aircraft, as part of an arms program to counter Turkish challenges in the eastern Mediterranean.

Mitsotakis had announced on Saturday that shortly Greece would buy 6 additional Rafale planes, adding that the first batch will be flying in Greek skies before the end of the year.

Sunday, French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly welcomed the announcement in a Tweet, "Excellent news: Greece has just announced its intention to acquire six additional Rafales (fighters). Together, we are moving forward to establish a true European autonomy."

Excellente nouvelle : la Grèce vient d’annoncer son intention d'acquérir 6 Rafale supplémentaires. Ensemble, nous avançons pour construire une véritable autonomie européenne.

— Florence Parly (@florence_parly) September 12, 2021

Macron's European policy

On Sunday, Mitsotakis stressed his country's support for the efforts of French President Macron to improve the EU's independent operational capabilities.

Macron is scheduled to visit Athens next Friday to attend the South EU Summit.

  • Defense Agreement
  • Washington
  • Greek Prime Minister
  • Greece
  • Athens
  • US
  • Mediterranean Sea

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