“I am always open to meet Mr. Erdogan, he doesn’t want to, but we met again and I believe there are opportunities to do it again,” he said.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the recent statements of Recep Tayyip Erdogan as unacceptable, stressing that Greece will not follow the path of provocations.
He added that he is “always open” to meet Mr. Erdogan, while he called the possibility of conflict between Greece and Turkey unthinkable.
The prime minister’s response:
“I find unacceptable the recent statements of the Turkish president and the overall aggression displayed by the Turkish political establishment.
They are poisoning society and we will not follow them.
We will always insist on giving clear answers, especially outside of Greece. Turkey presents Greece as an alleged aggressor. We will continue to highlight all of this.
At the same time, we will pursue open channels with Turkey. I’m not the one who blew up the communication bridges.
I am always open to meet Mr. Erdogan, he doesn’t want to, but we met again and I believe there are opportunities to do it again.
Turkey should know that in European forums it will be asked to give answers if the rhetorical extremity is consistent with a country that wants closer relations with Europe.”
In a question about the Turkish threats and “we will come suddenly one night” and if Athens is thinking of asking NATO to impose sanctions on Turkey, the prime minister replied:
“There is great concern about Turkey’s relationship with NATO, its relations with Russia, a country that adopts neo-expansionist rhetoric that seems completely alien to NATO’s principles and values.
NATO has pursued the role of shrewd neutral towards Turkey, but there is a change in dealing with Turkey.
I remind you that the American sanctions against Turkey were decided when the country decided to acquire the S-400. We have an obligation to talk to Turkey, but we will not diminish the strength of our allies.
Recently the Arab League condemned Turkey for interfering in the Arab world.
Turkey must finally realize that it is walking down a dead-end road. I am the last one who seeks tension with Turkey.”
When asked if he thinks that there could be a conflict with Turkey, Mr. Mitsotakis replied: “Theno, I can’t imagine a conflict between Greece and Turkey. With Turkey attacking. And if it happened, the response to Turkey would be decisive. I don’t think that can happen.”
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