President Klaus Iohannis declared, on Wednesday, regarding the option for Romania to hand over a Patriot system to Ukraine, that it is a matter that must be discussed with specialists from the army, then in the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT), noting that he does not accept, under any circumstances, that Romania remains without anti-missile and anti-aircraft defense.

„I do not comment on this matter and I do not think that it has any place in the general public space. It is a matter that must be discussed with the specialists in the army, which, in the end, must be decided in the CSAT and the result communicated. I do not think that a broad public debate is wanted on such a highly specialized case and which, of course, must be taken to an area where, unfortunately, we have an armed conflict,” said Iohannis, questioned in connection with the option of transferring a Patriot battery to Ukraine.

Asked when he will call a meeting of the Supreme Council for the National Defence to discuss this issue, Iohannis said: „As soon as the experts clarify the issues”.

„It is not simple. Let’s not imagine that we are talking here about (…) a trailer with three devices. It is very complicated. There are contracts that were made between the supplier and the beneficiary, there are very sophisticated installations and these things must be very well clarified, not to mention the fact that I do not accept, under any circumstances, that Romania remains without anti-missile defence and without anti-aircraft defence, that is what we are talking about. So, to the extent that something is given up, Romania must receive something else, or else nothing will be done,” the president said.

AGERPRES