Paris, 6 December 2000.-Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Greek Defence Minister and president of Western European Armaments Group (WEAG), Wednesday called for Europe to strengthen its defence industry.

Addressing the WEU-ESDA Assembly, he said. « We need a major commitment to ensure the technical and scientific capabilities are compatible through the modernisation and reinforcement of Europe’s defence industry. » Greece will hand over the WEAG presidency to Italy, but during its two years at the helm has « prepared a major programme » for promoting the industry.

With its new members, including Austria, Finland, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Sweden, WEAG is now a truly pan-European organisation, he said. All member states, including the small ones, should be involved in developing the industry, he added.