Greece Reaffirms Stance on Sovereignty During Ongoing Discussions with Turkey

Greece remains steadfast in its refusal to engage in discussions regarding sovereignty issues with Turkey or any international forum, as stated by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in a recent interview with SKAI radio.

He made it clear that any attempt to debate sovereignty would lead to the immediate cessation of ongoing talks.

Gerapetritis affirmed that Greece will not back down in its dealings with Turkey, stressing that resolving disputes over the demarcation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is vital for long-term regional peace. Reflecting on the 15 months of dialogue initiated in Vilnius, he noted that maintaining open communication channels has been essential in preventing crises, despite ongoing tensions.

The foreign minister pointed to the recent decrease in Turkish airspace violations as a significant development, reinforcing Greece’s previous complaints about these incursions. He highlighted that these violations had posed a daily risk of escalation, commending the readiness of the Greek Armed Forces during this period. Gerapetritis also mentioned improved cooperation with Turkey on migration issues, particularly in combatting human trafficking, resulting in a notable decline in migration flows compared to 2019.

Reaffirming Greece’s rights grounded in international law, Gerapetritis noted existing demarcation agreements with Egypt while indicating that negotiations with other neighbouring countries are still pending. He emphasized that ongoing dialogue with Turkey is crucial to maintaining stability in the Aegean.

Discussing talks with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, Gerapetritis indicated that initial technical discussions would serve as a foundation for further negotiations. Despite 64 rounds of exploratory contacts since 2002, he acknowledged that progress has been minimal, with Turkish claims intensifying over time. He expressed a desire to shift the negotiation approach to focus on mutual understanding and adherence to international law.

On the Middle East, Gerapetritis stated that Greece’s relationship with the Arab world is at an all-time high, with its stance receiving recognition in the region. He reiterated Greece’s commitment to international law and the necessity of a diplomatic solution that encompasses the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel’s security. He also pointed out Greece’s proactive role within the EU in efforts to de-escalate the ongoing crisis in the region.

(Source: Amna)