Greece opposes new US military bases

The expansion of the US military presence in Greece poses risks for the state, the opposition Communist Party said.

The Communist Party of Greece believes that the appearance of new US bases on the country's islands is directed against its people, TASS reports.

"The amendment [to the defence budget bill] of the US Congress, which, among other things, raises the issue of establishing new military bases on the Greek islands and expanding the US military presence in Greece, represents a dangerous development of unspeakable proportions, directed against both the Greek people and other inhabitants of the region, as well as against the sovereign rights of our country," the statement said.

The Communist Party added that the authorities are engaged in a secret dialogue with the US on military bases and already refer to the islands of the state as "NATO territory." The party emphasises that the people should look at this situation with alarm.

"It is necessary to strengthen the struggle for the cancellation of the dangerous US-Greek agreements, to close foreign military bases in the country, to withdraw Greece from imperialist alliances and their criminal plans," the statement concluded.

The lower house of the US parliament passed an amendment to the defence budget bill (NDAA), which calls for considering the establishment of US military bases on the Greek islands, on August 3.

According to Greek media, the document calls on the Pentagon and the State Department to explore options for expanding the US presence in Greece. In 2019, the two sides signed an agreement that included the possibility of opening a new US military facility in Greece, expanding the base on the island of Crete, and authorising the use of the republic's facilities by the United States.

In 2021, the agreements were expanded to include four more military bases.