Greece debt crisis: Ex-military leaders urge Greeks to show 'calm and national unity'
Since 1974 military staff have usually declined to speak on politics
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sixteen retired leaders of the country’s armed forces have issued a joint declaration calling on Greeks to show “calm and national unity” in the run-up to Sunday's referendum, insisting: “Greece is and must remain a protagonist in European affairs – Greece is Europe.”
The group includes three former chiefs of the armed forces, nine ex-army chiefs, two former heads of the navy and two former heads of the air force. Among them were retired admirals and generals, who had overseen Greek troop participation in Afghanistan and the Balkans.
In their letter they warn that Greece is at an “extremely critical juncture of its history which requires difficult and painful decisions”.
Since the overthrow in 1974 of Greece’s military junta, military staff have usually declined to speak on politics. But amid fears that economic and political chaos is exposing Greece to external threats, the group added: “The armed forces should be buttressed to maintain combat power, to ... ensure the defence and sovereignty of the country.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments