"We are historically seeking for the cooperation with Turkey and are investing in the harmonious co-existence and friendship of the two peoples. However, no retreat can exist against the unacceptable Turkish challenges and aggressive actions" underlined the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou in a statement to the Sunday edition of Kathimerini newspaper.
The President also underlined that "Greece is a modern European Republic that totally respects the international law and the good neighbourly relations. The guarantee of peace, safety and stability in southeastern Europe and in the eastern Mediterranean constitutes the cornerstone of our national strategy. We never abandoned the route of diplomacy with guideline the country's interest and the prosperity of the wider region".
Greece's firm position was and is the country's inalienable right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles as is clearly provided by the International Law and specifically by UN's Treaty on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), underlined diplomatic sources on Sunday.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressing an online event for the New Year of the association of Ιmvrians (Greeks from the island of Imvros that belongs to Turkey) said Imvrians can rely on the Greek government's support and solidarity.
"You will have Greek government's unequivocal support in your actions that fully understands that duty to one of the older centres of our nation in the Aegean" stated
"We will support you and will press Turkey at all international fora to respect all those it has signed" said Mitsotakis.
The Prime Minister underlined that some steps have been made as the Greek schools that were illegally closed in 1964, are welcoming pupils again. "We will continue to support the reoperation of the schools and send teachers but we will also not stop reminding to Ankara its official commitments because the Greeks of Imvros are Turkish citizens with all the rights and any discrimination against them does not only violate the Lausanne Treaty but all the international treaties for the human rights. So, Turkey is called to respect them with equality and justice".
Concluding, Mitsotakis expressed the hope to meet again on Imvros.