Things I've Learned |
Everyday I read, I listen, I think. At the end of the day, I've learned something. |
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![Demonstrators holding white pieces of paper form a peace sign at Monastiraki square in Athens March 14, 2010. The gathering was organized by the international organisation “World Without Wars”.
While demonstrators were forming the peace sign at Monastiraki square in Athens, SIPRI, a leading Swedish peace research group, announced that Greece is the 5th biggest importer of conventional weapons. In the world. Yes, Greece, a country of 11 million people pays more than any other country in Europe to equip its arsenal. And this, while during 2004-2008 period, weapon imports in the country were decreased by 5%.
So, why does a country with people living in a period of peace and economic difficulties has to import so many weapons? The answer is simple. Greece has to import large amound of weapons every year because there are countries that export them. Especially since some of those countries happen to be strategic partners of Greece. Right after Greek PM Papandreou’s visit to German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier this month (official purpose of it was to get political support from Germany) Greece, announced the agreement to buy four submarines from Germany. I guess political support is valued really expensive these days.
MORE:
Arms Transfers to Europe and Central Asia [PDF, full report by SIPRI]
US No. 1 arms exporter, China, India top importers: SIPRI (India Times)
«Αγαπημένη» των αγορών όπλων (Ελευθεροτυπία)
Athens reaches deal in submarine row: minister (France 24)
BONUS: Τουρκική υπεροπλία στο Αιγαίο (Το Βήμα)
(Photo from Reuters Pictures)](http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzc4waIpXT1qbphqfo1_500.jpg)
Demonstrators holding white pieces of paper form a peace sign at Monastiraki square in Athens March 14, 2010. The gathering was organized by the international organisation “World Without Wars”.
While demonstrators were forming the peace sign at Monastiraki square in Athens, SIPRI, a leading Swedish peace research group, announced that Greece is the 5th biggest importer of conventional weapons. In the world. Yes, Greece, a country of 11 million people pays more than any other country in Europe to equip its arsenal. And this, while during 2004-2008 period, weapon imports in the country were decreased by 5%.
So, why does a country with people living in a period of peace and economic difficulties has to import so many weapons? The answer is simple. Greece has to import large amound of weapons every year because there are countries that export them. Especially since some of those countries happen to be strategic partners of Greece. Right after Greek PM Papandreou’s visit to German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier this month (official purpose of it was to get political support from Germany) Greece, announced the agreement to buy four submarines from Germany. I guess political support is valued really expensive these days.
MORE:
- Arms Transfers to Europe and Central Asia [PDF, full report by SIPRI]
- US No. 1 arms exporter, China, India top importers: SIPRI (India Times)
- «Αγαπημένη» των αγορών όπλων (Ελευθεροτυπία)
- Athens reaches deal in submarine row: minister (France 24)
- BONUS: Τουρκική υπεροπλία στο Αιγαίο (Το Βήμα)
