Statements that have a hostile character they do not contribute to a climate of calm and good neighborliness, pointed out the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis in the wake of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s incendiary statements about Izmir.

Ahead of his visit on Monday to Ankara, Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized that “we look forward, with moderate optimism, to the fact that we can have a passable and positive channel of communication, through positive actions, which we will develop.”

“It is Greece’s desire to always have good neighborly relations. We support the peaceful resolution of disputes and of course, we always stick to our fundamental principle of respect for International Law (…) Seeing the possibility is the only difference which is the delimitation of the continental shelf and EEZ to be brought before international jurisdiction” was the message of the foreign minister to Greek journalists after his participation in the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers “Gymnich”.

The statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in detail

Today we had the opportunity in the framework of the Informal Council of EU Foreign Ministers “Gymnich” to discuss issues related to international politics, global security and peace. We discussed the issues of Niger, in Africa and the issue of Ukraine, which unfortunately continues to plague our continent and the world.

As far as Niger is concerned, we had the opportunity to point out with our fellow Foreign Ministers how important it is to maintain peace in Sub-Saharan Africa and especially in the Sahel. We have many coups. It is necessary to restore constitutional legitimacy and peace.
And if we think that it is far away and we are not affected in Europe, this is not true at all. Beyond the self-evident issue of the humanitarian crisis, which is the most important, there are issues related to migration flows and the safety of navigation. World peace is at stake, and this stake is daily. The European Union is and must always be a pioneer in matters of democracy and peace.

As far as Ukraine is concerned, we had the opportunity to confirm, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, our belief in the just outcome of the war caused by Russia’s unnecessary invasion. To insist on the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine and to prevent any revisionism in Europe and the wider world.

For my part, I had the opportunity to raise the issue of the Athens Conference of August 21, where we had the opportunity, following the Prime Minister’s invitation, to have the leaders of the Western Balkans, as well as Ukraine and of Moldova. We discussed the path that is being taken in relation to the integration of these countries into the EU, which is in fact also the condition for the well-being of these peoples and peace in the region.

I had the opportunity to raise the question of Greece’s participation in the process of strengthening Ukraine, which covers several chapters. As well as Greece’s position that it will be present the day after the end of the war, which we all hope will come soon. Not only in the context of the restoration of the huge disasters in the country, especially in cities with which we have very strong historical ties, such as Odessa, but even on many fronts that will arise the next day and for which Greece will definitely have to to be in the foreground.

I also raised the issue of the crisis that has arisen due to Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and referred to the possibility of Greece being able to provide an alternative route for the movement of grain, particularly through the ports of Alexandroupolis and Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. We must all understand that the security and peace of the world is an issue that concerns everyone.

JOURNALIST: Are you planning to go to Ukraine soon? You had already announced it in the previous days to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And in fact, you also had a dinner, you gave your Ukrainian counterpart a few days ago in Athens.

G. GERAPETRITIS: My Ukrainian counterpart and I had the opportunity to discuss the issues related to the war in Ukraine. We have an excellent relationship and mutual understanding. I received the invitation to visit Kiev and Odessa. It is in our planning, in the immediate future, to be in these martyred cities and to declare, not only symbolically but essentially, Greece’s support for the wintering Ukrainian people.

JOURNALIST: You have already reported on Russia’s position and the collapse of the Grains Agreement, as well as on our country’s initiatives. Is there something immediate that Greece is going to do, to take an immediate initiative?

G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece participates in multiple ways. In addition to its accession to the G7 Agreement concerning peace in Ukraine, Greece, with the Declaration of Athens on the European perspective and Ukraine, makes a decisive contribution, as a pioneering force, within the EU in favor of Ukraine. In addition, as we have already announced, there will be humanitarian and material aid to Ukraine. We will also provide the necessary assistance, so that Ukrainian pilots can be trained in F-16 fighters, in which our country has high expertise. As and wherever it can, Greece will be present in this unjust war against Ukraine.

JOURNALIST: Let’s go to another topic, Greek-Albanian relations. You raised the issue of Fredis Beleris, was such an issue discussed?

G. GERAPETRITIS: The issue of Fredis Beleris, the unjust temporary detention, which prevents his swearing in as Mayor of Chimarra, has already been raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by me, in all possible fora. All the Ministers of the EU Member States, the High Representative for Foreign Policy of the EU and the Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Stoltenberg, have been informed personally. The European Commission and the European Parliament have also been fully informed.

I also had the opportunity to have an extensive one-on-one discussion with the responsible Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, with whom we raised the issues of the Western Balkans. Greece, as you know, has taken the initiative to accelerate the path of the Western Balkans towards the European family. And Greece will always be a helper, 20 years after the historic Declaration of Thessaloniki, of these countries regarding their European perspective.

Especially on the issue of Mr. Beleris, I would like to point out that, regardless of the issue of the judicial crisis, the independence of the Albanian judiciary, here comes the issue of detention that prevents him from assuming his duties. This is a clear violation of the presumption of innocence, the rule of law, civil rights, and the citizens of Himarra who elected him. And I want to point out that this issue, especially the swearing-in and assumption of duties by Mr. Beleris, does not concern the judicial function in Albania, but is purely a matter of political will, on the part of the Albanian government. And for this reason, Greece will continue to exhaust every margin, so that it becomes possible to swear in Mr. Beleris as Mayor and to express in the best way the will of the people of Heimarra, as it came through its municipal elections May 14th.

JOURNALIST: Last, but very important matter, is the visit you will start on Monday afternoon to Ankara. On Tuesday morning you will meet with your Turkish counterpart.

G. GERAPETRITIS: It is Greece’s desire to always have good neighborly relations. We support the peaceful resolution of disputes and of course, we always stick to our fundamental principle of respect for International Law. Indeed, we are attempting a new beginning with neighboring Turkey so that we can properly discuss our differences. Let’s see the possibility that the only difference, which is the delimitation of the continental shelf and the EEZ, will be brought before international jurisdiction.

We look forward, with moderate optimism, to the fact that we can have a passable and positive channel of communication, through positive actions, which we will develop. It goes without saying that statements that have a hostile nature do not contribute to this climate of calm, good neighborliness. What we seek, and will pursue consistently, with respect for the Greek citizens, and above all always supporting our national interests and our sovereignty, will be to have a calm, good relationship with Turkey, the which will be a relationship of mutual understanding of the positions of each country, always with respect to International Law.