US wants drones on crete

The information suggests that talks on the critical matter began in January, with the American side pressuring the Greek government to transfer the drones by early June, but no agreement has been reached, yet. The drones are part of the American strategy in tackling the rising terrorism in the Middle East and surrounding areas.

While the Greek government has had a close relationship with the USA, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, the government Vice President Evangelos Venizelos and the Minister of National Defense Dimitris Avramopoulos have been hesitant to come to an agreement. The resulting quandrum has seen a flurry of missives exchanged between the relevant ministries.

Aside from their fear of Greece potentially becoming a target for extremist groups, the government is keen to negotiate what it will receive in return. Military sources have suggested that Greece is interested in receiving technical assistance, or may even receive surplus UAVs in order tackle illegal immigration.

It is not yet known, also, whether the drones will be UAVs or the much more lethal UCAV (unmanned combat air vehicle) used abundantly during the Obama administration for strikes with Hellfire missiles that have killed more than 2,500 people.