Greek army in general mobilisation

national | miscellaneous | news report Wednesday April 17, 2002 10:38 by Apostolos - OMHROI.GR ANTI at EIRCOM dot NET

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Greece is the one member of the European Union to remain in mobilisation since the second world war. A state of war existed with Albania from 1940 to 1981. For the last 27 years and following the Turkish invasion and occupation of 33% of Cyprus we remain in a state of general mobilisation.

Every other European country spends around 1.5% of their GDP on defence. We spend 5% to the detriment of health, education and research. The official excuse remains that of potential Turkish aggression, however the Ministry of Defence dogma states clearly that there is no risk of a war.

Conscription remains harsh in its length and conditions. The provisions for an alternative civil service are punitive. Until 1997 conscientious objectors were imprisoned. Thousands of draft evaders living abroad; they risk arrest if they return home to visit relatives and are refused a passport.

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