French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse Brigitte will attend the annual military parade in Athens on March 25 that this year coincides with the bicentennial celebrations for the beginning of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821.
Daily kathimerini reported the news adding that as the anniversary coincides with the European Council meeting (25-26 March), so it is expected that Macron will attend the celebrations in Athens and then fly to Brussels for the summit.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had also invited UK’s Prince Charles and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The heir to the British throne accepted the invitation last month, however, noting that his presence in Athens would depend to the pandemic conditions. Putin turned down the invitation.
Representatives from France, UK and Russia have been invited as these were the countries that fought against and defeated the Ottoman Navy in the defining Battle of Navarino on October 20 in 1827.
PS for the time being, holding a parade seems out of this world as Greece in general and Athens in particular experience a surge of coronavirus infections, the hospitals in Greek capital are on the brink of collapse and new restrictions are to be announced on Wednesday afternoon.
I guess that they have to fill out the PLF and have a proof of vaccination before they arrive?
You’re right. No time for military parades in current situation. Nothing essential about it. If it’s about Solidarity show re Turkey, OK, but still very questionable at this time, and not necessary. Just like the visit to Icaria…