Spain’s Acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, Sends Special Christmas Message To The Spanish Overseas Military Forces

SPAIN’S caretaker prime minister, Pedro Sánchez has sent Christmas greetings, via videoconference, to the nearly 2,000 military deployed in the twenty international missions in which Spain participates abroad and has conveyed his hopes for their early return.

“We want you to return home safe and sound, in the hope that you can soon proudly say ‘mission accomplished’ “, said Sánchez in the connection made from the Moncloa Palace with the international operations. Sánchez was accompanied by the acting Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Fernando Alejandre.

The video call was made from the Department of National Security facilities in the sub-basement of the Moncloa Palace.

Sanchez thanked the military personnel who have been deployed abroad for their efforts in dealing with “all kinds of threats to national security such as terrorism and piracy. He also acknowledged the work of the troops “bringing hope and solidarity” to many countries. Highlighting also the role of the Emergency Military Union (EMU) in alleviating disasters and the link between the armed forces and “science”, as well as their participation in international organisations.

“All these tasks are an example of our commitment to global security and to active multilateralism,” Sanchez added as reported by El Pais.

Sánchez continued to thank the troops for distinguishing Spain “as one of the most active states in Europe in the field of security, peace and defence” which, in his opinion, constitutes “extraordinary value”.

He also dedicated words for the 186 soldiers who have died in the last 30 years in missions abroad. “It is our duty to remember and acknowledge them so that time does not erase their memory and their families know that they have us close,” he said.

The acting prime minister ended the message by calling on Overseas Military Forces to “take extreme measures for self-protection” and to “take care of each other”. “Watch over the man and woman next to you and enjoy as much as possible this special night with your colleagues and through the Internet with your family and friends,”

“In the name of all Spain, I wish you a Merry Christmas and I send you the heartfelt embrace of a country that respects you, appreciates you and awaits you”, concluded Pedro Sánchez.

As Euro Weekly News is aware, the Spanish Armed Forces are participating in missions on all continents in compliance with their international commitments to the European Union, NATO and the United Nations. They also take part in bilateral operations to combat jihadist terrorism or provide scientific support, such as that in Antarctica.