Greece’s firm position on Turkey’s accession path was reiterated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, during the debate on the budget.

“The issue of Fredi Beleris is an obstacle for Albania’s entry into the EU. It is not a bilateral issue and in any case what is true is that Albania’s European path goes through the assumption of the duties of Fredi Beleris” explained the Minister of Foreign Affairs .

Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Gerapetritis said that “next week there will be a meeting of the committee to inform the parties. Our position is that there should be a good relationship based on international law. There are certain parameters that are inviolable. Issues of sovereignty are not included in the dialogue. Honesty should always be displayed. We should proceed quietly to perpetuate the climate of calm without dogfights and aggressive rhetoric. And the historic declaration in Athens marks the new era for the relationship between Greece and Turkey”.

Subsequently, Mr. Gerapetritis stated that “It cannot be based on intuition or political bidding. Practicing foreign policy predisposes a deep knowledge of history. I myself taught at the university for almost 20 years. I rely above all on the excellent staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. History will judge us all, but bravery is not to say the pleasant things but to do the beneficial things for the country.”