Challenges "need action today, not discussion tomorrow," and we need to be "increasingly united," during the difficult times, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in his speech at the 75th UN General Assembly. "Connected by the power of innovation. United by a newfound determination to work together for the improvement of our global family of nations."
However, studying the speech of the Greek Prime Minister, Hellas Journal noted that there is absolutely no reference to Cyprus and Turkey's occupation. It is the first time since the Turkish invasion that something like has happened.
Analyzing all the great challenges, Mitsotakis stressed the need "we must do more together to tackle the root causes of migration: poverty, deprivation, economic uncertainty, exploitation, violence and war. Unless we tackle these inequalities, the problem will never be fully resolved."
Expressing his regret that the circumstances do not allow the live celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the Prime Minister stressed "the other great geopolitical challenge we face concerns Turkey. At the General Assembly last year, I had made a point of extending the hand of friendship and co-operation to President Erdogan. I even talked of my willingness to act as a bridge-builder for Turkey in Europe."
"Sadly, where Greece put trust, dialogue and understanding at the heart of a values-based foreign policy, Turkey responded with escalation, provocation, disinformation, and aggression. Where Greece chose the path of dialogue in good faith, Turkey chose the path of intransigence," he explained.
"Be in no doubt, Turkey’s actions undermine international law and threaten the security and stability of the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean and of all EU member states. The European Union made it absolutely clear that unilateral actions will not be left unanswered when they threaten sovereign rights of member states," Mitsotakis continued.
The Greek Prime Minister than highlighted the recent peace deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, countries that are also friendly to Greece.
"However, in spite of the recent events, I remain an optimist. Everybody understands that this constant escalation of tension cannot continue. And I refuse to believe that partnership between near neighbors is not possible. Look at the recent agreement struck between Israel and the UAE. Both friends of Greece, now friends with each other. Years of suspicion and animosity have been replaced by co-operation and mutual understanding," he said.
"So, let’s meet, let’s talk, and let’s seek a mutually acceptable solution. Let’s give diplomacy a chance. If, after all, we still cannot agree, then we should trust the wisdom of the international court at The Hague," he said, adding that "the beginning of exploratory talks between our two sides, which was announced two days ago, is a step in the right direction.:
"If President Erdogan really believes the United Nations stands as a beacon of hope and a bastion of global co-operation, then I would urge him to act in accordance with its values," he concluded in the part of the speech about Turkey.
However, it was noted that unlike his Turkish counterpart, Mitsotakis made no mention of Cyprus.
Erdogan did not shy away from mentioning Cyprus and Cypriots in his address, making a total of 11 references.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades during his UN General Assembly speech made a total of four references to Greece.
This begs the question why Mitsotakis shied away from the Cyprus issue instead of showing a united front against Turkish aggression.
