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Today, Greek authorities will discuss the Syrian crisis and the consequences that its deepening would have on the country at an extended conference at the Ministry of Defence. Besides the leadership of the Defence Ministry, the meeting will be also attended by the management part of the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Citizen Protection, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Merchant Marine, as well as members of the General Staff of the Greek Army, the management of the police, the coastguard and the fire service, and the Director of the Greek intelligence services.

The main concerns of the authorities are related to what should be done in case of a wave of refugees from North Africa and the Middle East, and what reserves the Greek economy has in order to cope with a possible spike in oil prices on world markets.

It is no secret that privatisation was the official topic of meetings with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in the last ten days, but the situation in Syria was discussed during most of the time. The Prime Minister has ordered his subordinates to analyse every possible chance and be ready with a solution for any possible development of circumstances. According to economists, the Greek economy can easily cope with more expensive oil, while at the same time the country is negotiating with Gazprom for a reduction in gas prices for Greece from Russia.

Guarding Greece’s maritime borders seems to be a bigger problem, since a large wave of refugees would be expected there. "We prefer a political solution to the crisis. In the event that NATO decides to act Greece will meet its international obligations," said a government source for the Athens News Agency. It is clear that Greece will provide bases for aeroplanes of allies, but other means of participation of Greece in any military operation is not envisaged.

The meeting at the Ministry of Defence, which ended a while ago, passed the plan "World" for the evacuation of Greek nationals who are currently in Syria. Their number is between 2,500 and 2,700. A special group to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was created for the operational management of the evacuation which can be contacted on the following phone numbers: 0030 210 368 1351, 0030 210 368 1444, mobile 0030 6948 526418, e-mail: mdk@mfa.gr