Greek opposition slams government over Syria issue

The main Greek opposition leader has slammed Prime Minister Antonis Samaras over his foreign policy, amid Greece’s approval to provide military bases to the US military for an attack on Syria.

On Saturday, Alexis Tsipras, leader of SYRIZA, censured the government for taking a submissive role despite strong opposition against an intervention even in France and the US itself.

Tsipras called for the prime minister to “listen to Greek people’s feelings and to defend the country’s interests instead of playing the pathetic role of the willing and obedient pupil towards all directions.”

The opposition leader also criticized Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou, calling them “a pathetic gang of willing yes-men.”

The remarks came as the Greek government has agreed to allow the US military to use Greece’s bases in Kalamata and Souda, and to get access to the Greek air space and sea during an attack on Syria.

The foreign ministry has however clarified that Greece is unwilling to participate in direct intervention in Syria, as it fears counterattacks.

Tsipras also pointed out that his party is completely against the prospect of any military strike on Syria, as it would be “inconceivable” without international approval.

Meanwhile, Venizelos has reportedly spoken with several foreign ministers within the European Union and Arab officials to promote Greece as a reliable interlocutor with all sides.

Analysts say the key goal for Greece is to aid its NATO allies and at the same time not to create tensions with the Arab states and Russia.

The call for military action against Syria intensified after foreign-backed opposition forces accused the government of President Bashar al-Assad of launching a chemical attack on militant strongholds in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21. The Syrian government has categorically rejected the claim.

Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi said on August 28 that the West is seeking to turn Syria into a second Iraq and that the issue of chemical weapons use is only a pretext for war.