Mitsotakis’ Message to Turkey: Thirty Years On, It’s Time to Withdraw the Casus Belli

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sent a clear message to Turkey through his weekly post on social media, stating that “we seek good relations, but thirty years later, it is time to withdraw the casus belli.” He emphasised that “the path forward is dialogue, not the language of arms.”

The Prime Minister also referred to the ongoing hunger strike of Panos Routsi, saying:

“The state must stand sensitively beside people who are in pain, even when they challenge it. Humanity and our culture demand this. We respect the decisions of the independent judiciary, whatever they may be, without commenting on them. The rule of law cannot be applied à la carte, especially in matters that fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the judiciary, such as this particular case and the trial of this great tragedy that has deeply wounded us all. As stated by the leadership of the Supreme Court, no relative loses any rights, since during the hearing process any party may resubmit their requests. Let us not forget that new, endless delays could even lead to the statute of limitations of crimes, which would be the ultimate disrespect to the memory of the victims.”

Strong Presence at the UN General Assembly

“Good morning! The past week, marked by the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, was dense with events and meetings. I met with leaders, investors and key opinion makers. The common denominator was the recognition of Greece as a force of stability in Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean, as an attractive investment destination, and as a geopolitical and energy bridge between the wider region and the rest of Europe — a reliable partner. Greece’s voice is heard loud and clear, despite those who want to diminish it,” Mitsotakis stated.

He highlighted the country’s significant progress in defense capabilities since 2019, noting the delivery of 42 upgraded F-16s, 24 Rafale aircraft, the arrival of Belharra frigates in the coming months, and the first F-35s expected in 2028. “Domestic voices of defeatism and the ‘no to everything’ mentality fail to see, or do not want, a strong Greece. They ignore the fact that thanks to our dynamic economic growth and significant debt reduction, we are now free to implement the largest armaments program in our history, investing in our strategic and defense autonomy,” he said.

Message to Turkey and International Positions

In his address to the UN General Assembly, Mitsotakis reiterated that Greece seeks good relations with Turkey, but stressed that after 30 years, the time has come for Ankara to withdraw its casus belli against Greece. “The path forward is dialogue, not the language of arms,” he underlined.

Regarding Gaza, he was clear: “There is no justification for the continuation of the war. We are strategic partners of Israel, but friends must tell each other the truth. We support the two-state solution. The creation of a sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian state must be the outcome of a political process.”

On Ukraine, he stressed that “as a nation that bears the enduring trauma of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus, we cannot accept under any circumstances the violent change of borders by any revisionist power.”

Domestic Policy Highlights

Mitsotakis also addressed key domestic policies:

• Housing Support: From November, a permanent annual rent rebate of up to €800 (with increases per child) will be automatically paid to tenants based on tax return data, without requiring an application. Approximately one million citizens are expected to benefit.
• Digital Education: Free live online classes through the Digital Tutoring platform resumed, supporting high school students across Greece, Cyprus, and abroad.
• Judicial Education: A new program is launching to teach students about the justice system and democratic institutions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Council of State, and the Institute of Educational Policy.
• Public Health: A new Health Ministry bill is under consultation, covering hospital staffing, pharmaceutical spending, cancer diagnostics, and oversight bodies. Mitsotakis praised Greece’s recent UN award for public health policy, noting over 4 million citizens’ participation in preventive programs.
• Agriculture: New measures are being rolled out to combat the spread of sheep pox, with veterinary reinforcements and disinfection stations in Thessaly.
• Waste Management: Construction of a new €54.6 million Waste Treatment Plant in Larissa has begun, serving seven municipalities and processing 90,000 tonnes of waste annually.
• Employment for People with Disabilities: A successful program for hiring 1,000 people with disabilities in local government will be expanded to 1,000 more, with up to 75% wage subsidies.
• Security: Special police units will be deployed inside Roma settlements to combat petty crime. “No area is exempt from the law. Whoever breaks the law will be arrested and brought to justice,” he stressed.
• Railway Safety: Psychological and psychometric assessments for critical railway personnel will begin with 60 employees, aiming to improve safety standards.
• Digital Reforms: The new #timologioB2G platform allows suppliers to issue and send electronic invoices to the public sector. The upgraded Gov.gr Wallet now offers more integrated digital services and will soon connect with the EU system in 2026.
• Artificial Intelligence: Greece has been recognised by the OECD as a global example of responsible and innovative AI use, citing platforms like mAigov, the “DAEDALUS” supercomputer, and “Pharos” AI applications in governance.

Mitsotakis concluded his post by thanking citizens for their attention:

“It’s the last Sunday of September, and autumn has truly begun. Thank you for following this week’s review. We’ll talk again next Sunday!”