GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMS TO A REQUEST TO PARIS

Greece asked frigates 2 + and 4surveillance aircraft


Hiring two frigates and four aircraft naval cooperation and surveillance (AFNS) asked France, the Greek government, to strengthen our defensive shield, revealed government spokesman S. Kedikoglou, speaking a day after visiting of french president Holland in Athens.

"It's something that came from us," explained Mr Kedikoglou, "because we must make sure our defense shield" and "to ensure that in the Aegean waters are calm."

Specifically, the government spokesman said that despite the economic difficulties the Greek government did not neglect the defensive armor and seek solutions.

The request was Greek and is currently being examined by the French side in order to determine whether it is feasible to implement.

Note that the standing requirements include Greek frigate capable of air defense region and AFNS aircraft belonging to the class of ATLANTIC available to the French Navy for maritime surveillance and antisubmarine operations co (ASW).

Asked if the rent is combined with the investigation of deposits in Greek EEZ, government spokesman responded negatively.

Could be combined, he said, "only in the sense that research will become more efficient, faster, when there is a calm atmosphere in the Aegean."

Hollande to visit Greece on Tuesday, eyeing support, sell-offs and frigate deal

French President Francois Hollande is expected in Athens on Tuesday, with sources saying his visit is intended as a show of support for the Greek government and its fiscal consolidation effort.
They added that Hollande is also interested in discussing the efforts of French businesses in Greece and convincing the Greek government to lease two FREMM multipurpose frigates two be used in the exploration of gas and oil reserves in the Aegean.
It is also expected that Hollande and Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras will discuss Greece’s privatization process. Athens is reportedly keen for French company EDF to express interest in the sale of natural gas companies DEPA and DESFA, with Russian firms currently leading the way in the tenders for the two firms, which is due to close in April.
Le Figaro newspaper suggested that Hollande will be aiming to send a message to foreign investors that the adjustment process in Greece along with structural reforms are starting to pay off.