Dendias: The Israel-Lebanon agreement is an example for all countries

The agreement between Lebanon and Israel creates a model, it shows that the delimitation of maritime zones is possible in any case with a basic condition, the respect of International Law and the rules of dialogue, announced the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias in joint statements with Lebanese counterpart, Abdullah Bou Habib, after their meeting is over. “This development paves the way for the adjustment of the corresponding agreement between Lebanon and Cyprus, discussions have begun for this” Nikos Dendias underlined, he reiterated that the Lebanon-Israel agreement is an example of the peaceful settlement of disputes in this area and urged them to follow suit the example all countries.

Addressing his Lebanese counterpart, Mr Nikos Dendias he congratulated him on the “historic agreement” delimiting maritime zones between Lebanon and Israel, which was reached with the mediation of the US, especially the special envoy for international energy issues Amos Hochstein, as he noted. He also recalled that Greece was one of the first countries to welcome this agreement as a key factor in stabilizing the situation in the Middle East.

As far as Greece is concerned, he reminded that it has recently concluded two agreements, with Egypt and Italy, and has also reached an agreement with Albania on the appeal in The Hague, with which it is discussing the terms of the appeal agreement, he added.

Also, the foreign minister announced that Greece is looking forward to the demarcation of exclusive economic zones with Libya, as soon as an elected government emerges in that country North Africa. “Thus, another triangle of stability will be created: Greece, Egypt, Libya, in the Eastern Mediterranean. And then we would like this example to be extended to neighboring Turkey” said Nikos Dendias. “We hope that after the elections in Turkey, we will be able to negotiate with Turkey our only bilateral dispute, always based on the International Law of the Sea,” he stressed.

However, he expressed his regret that the Turkey is moving in the opposite direction, “seeking provocations, seeking to impose positions that have nothing to do with International Law, seeking solutions that ignore geography and simple common sense, such as the recent void, illegal, non-existent hydrocarbon exploitation memorandum between the Turkish government and the government of Tripoli”.

Focusing on bilateral relations, Nikos Dendias said that for the Hellas the contacts with Lebanon are of great importance and he expressed the will to deepen the cooperation. Picking up the thread of relations from antiquity, he said that the two peoples met in the wider area of ​​the Mediterranean, created important cultures and their relations were forged through the centuries, as evidenced by the long-standing presence of the Greek Orthodox community in Lebanon. He also referred to the “significant presence” of the Lebanese community in Athena.

He made special reference to the memoranda he signed with his Lebanese counterpart on the abolition of entry visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports, as well as in the field of Diplomatic Education. “The memoranda we signed are a harbinger of deepening our cooperation” he said and explained that Greece will always stand by Lebanon, recalling that it was the first country to respond after the recent explosion in the port of Beirut and assured that it will continue to show solidarity to the people of Lebanon.

At the same time, Nikos Dendias underlined that Greece is also looking forward to a tripartite meeting of the foreign ministers of Greece, Cyprus and Lebanon.

In addition, he expressed his satisfaction with the program of strengthening Greek studies and supporting theological studies in University of Balamad. This also constitutes a revival of the teaching of the Greek language and is a practical proof of Greece’s support for the Greek Orthodox part of the Lebanese population, he pointed out.

During their meeting, the two foreign ministers also discussed the challenges facing the international community in Europe, the Middle East, as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In this context, the Foreign Minister reiterated that respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries is the “holy gospel” for Greek foreign policy and stated that he is confident that Lebanon shares this position.

Furthermore, they discussed the refugee-immigration issue, with the Lebanese Foreign Minister informing Nicos Dendias of the enormous difficulties Lebanon is facing in terms of housing millions of displaced Syrians. In particular, they discussed the need to tackle this phenomenon with the help of the EU, with Nikos Dendias pledging to do everything he can to invite the Lebanese Foreign Minister to breakfast with the EU foreign ministersin which to explain in a clear and understandable way the challenges facing Lebanon, but also the solutions he proposes.

Regarding the EU’s relations with Lebanon, Nikos Dendias advocated their strengthening, expressing the belief that Lebanon has all the elements that would allow closer cooperation with the European Union and with other international organizations, such as the UN.

Concluding his statement, Nikos Dendias pointed out that the visit of the Lebanese Foreign Minister closes a circle of ten bilateral contacts in the last six days.

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