Head of army general staff resigns
The head of the army general staff, Lieutenant General Constantinos Ziazias, submitted his resignation to the Defense Ministry late on Tuesday, reportedly in protest at demands by the ministry’s political leadership for changes to top level officers in the armed forces.
A statement released by the army said Ziazias, who was appointed only nine months ago, resigned for ?reasons that touch on ethics and dignity, both his own and of the army.”
Opposition parties including the leftwing SYRIZA reacted to the resignation by accusing the government, led by conservative New Democracy, of attempting to interfere in the appointments of army officers, a charge nenied by Defence Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos who told reporters that Ziazias decision was «personal.”
Panayiotopoulos said Ziazias will be replaced by Lieutenant General Constantinos Ginis.
The Government Council of Foreign Affairs and National Defense (KYSEA) was reportedly scheduled to meet on Wednesday.
