Vilnius, Lithuania – Following the conclusion of the NATO Summit, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a press conference addressing key issues raised during the summit, including violations of the Prespa Agreement by North Macedonia and the ongoing Cyprus issue.
Prespa Agreement Violations
Responding to questions about the continued use of the term “Republic of Macedonia” by North Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski, Mitsotakis confirmed he had informed NATO allies of these violations, stating that such actions directly contravene the Prespa Agreement. He highlighted that while Kovačevski refrained from using the unconstitutional name during the summit, the issue remains a point of contention.
"Agreements must be kept,” Mitsotakis asserted, emphasizing the need for North Macedonia to respect international law and adhere to signed agreements to progress towards European integration. He expressed confidence that Skopje would eventually recognize the counterproductivity of their actions, adding that Greece possesses various tools to address the issue should these violations persist. However, he refrained from disclosing specific measures at this time.
Renewed Push for Cyprus Solution
The Prime Minister welcomed the renewed initiative by the United Nations regarding the Cyprus issue, expressing satisfaction with the Personal Envoy's submission of findings to the Secretary-General. While declining to comment on specifics due to a lack of detailed information, Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s unwavering support for resuming talks between the two communities based on UN resolutions.
"Fifty years after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, may Cyprus finally cease to be the last divided island located within European territory,” Mitsotakis stated, underscoring the urgency for a just and sustainable solution. He confirmed plans to discuss the issue further with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and announced his participation in an event hosted by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Cyprus later this month.
Addressing Opposition Criticism and Ukrainian Support
Mitsotakis refuted claims from the opposition regarding alleged “gaps” in Greek defense capabilities due to military aid provided to Ukraine. He emphasized that Greece maintains surplus equipment provided with the full agreement of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and the Ministry of National Defence, stressing that these actions in no way undermine Greece’s defensive capabilities.
“The country has systematically invested in strengthening the Armed Forces after a ten-year crisis,” Mitsotakis stated, highlighting Greece’s commitment to defense spending and modernization efforts. He pointed to the acquisition of new equipment, including Rafale fighter jets, Romeo helicopters, and Belh@rra frigates as concrete examples of a stronger and more secure Greece.
European Air Defense Shield and Continued Support for Ukraine
The Prime Minister provided an update on the joint initiative with Poland for a European air defense shield, emphasizing the need for increased European defense capabilities and smarter resource allocation within NATO. He highlighted the proposal’s focus on exploring European funding mechanisms beyond national budgets to ensure the initiative’s feasibility.
Regarding concerns about potential escalation due to the provision of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Mitsotakis clarified that Greece is not contributing F-16s to this initiative. However, he reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s self-defense efforts, emphasizing the need for continued support to ensure a just and sustainable peace that does not involve Ukrainian capitulation.
Strengthened Greek-American Relations
Mitsotakis also took the opportunity to highlight the strong relationship between Greece and the United States, confirming brief discussions with President Biden and a more extensive meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He confirmed that both meetings reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations and provided an opportunity to discuss shared challenges and regional issues, particularly concerning the Balkan region.