Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias did not hold back his condemnation of Turkey during a NATO foreign ministers meeting.
According to diplomatic sources, Dendias stressed the need to adhere to key NATO principles at a time when authoritarian and revisionist states are openly violating international law, threatening regional stability and transatlantic cohesion in the Eastern Mediterranean, Libya and the Caucasus.
The comments were made during his teleconference speech at the NATO 2030 initiative discussion.
Referring to the Turkish delinquent and provocative behavior, the Greek Foreign Minister reiterated the firm position of Athens.
He expressed his satisfaction with the clear position expressed by the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who underlined the destabilizing role of Turkey.
He added that he did not comment on the non-existent allegations of "maximalist positions" made by his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, adding that if Greece's behavior is maximalist, then international law is maximalist.
The Foreign Minister also stressed that all members, including Turkey, must demonstrate in practice their commitment to basic NATO principles, such as democracy, respect for human rights, and respect for the rule of law.
He added that this need is even more urgent now when authoritarian and revisionist states openly violate international law, threaten regional stability, and transatlantic cohesion in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Libya and the Caucasus.
Referring to the strengthening of the European Union 's strategic autonomy, Dendias stressed that it would further strengthen the transatlantic link and said that the strengthening of relations between the European Union and NATO can and should be done.
Finally, as this meeting was the last time for outgoing US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the Greek Minister thanked him for his commendable contribution to the strengthening of the already excellent bilateral relations between Greece and the US, as well as increasing bilateral defense cooperation.
