“Foreign policy, international diplomacy is a complex subject, which cannot accommodate simplistic solutions. The logic of Manichaeism, that we fanatically support one side, cannot be in the field of our own interaction”, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said to SKAI and on the show “Kalimera” with Akis Pavlopoulos, on the occasion of the visit and the statements of SYRIZA president Stefanos Kasselakis in Palestine.

“I was surprised to hear what Mr. Kasselakis said about Hamas, that it is not a terrorist organization. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Hamas does not identify with the Palestinian people,” he added.

He also stressed that “there should be a political solution as soon as possible to stop the bloodshed. We must ensure the future of Palestine and the Palestinian people. The next day of Palestine cannot be Hamas. There can be no terrorist elements in the government of the next day.”

Greece always remains committed to International Law

Referring to the marine parks, he underlined that “Turkey’s foreign policy is based on principles that we do not adopt. Greece always remains committed to International Law, we are never going to be excluded from it. Obligation of the respective diplomacy to support that Greece is in accordance with International Law”.

On the occasion of the amendment of the conscription regulation, Mr. Gerapetritis underlined that “we are monitoring it”, noting, however, “I do not assess that the Turkish president’s move to take responsibility for the declaration of national conscription is something that has a direct effect on Greece . There are constitutional limits in Turkey as well, and he must follow them.”

“We will proceed with an attempt at peaceful coexistence in our region. Peaceful coexistence is not an end in itself, it is an issue that has to do with the well-being of our people,” he added.

The Greek strategy regarding the protection of the marine environment will continue uninterrupted – Our sovereignty is unwavering, inalienable and not subject to any negotiation.

“Turkey can decide anything that belongs within its own sovereignty, we cannot stand in the way. We understand that it is not possible for the exercise of sovereignty to affect another state in any way. The Greek strategy regarding the protection of the marine environment will continue seamlessly based on our plan,” said the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, pointing out: “We will do what is required based on environmental initiatives and not by exercising sovereignty. Our sovereignty is unwavering, inalienable and non-negotiable. We want to have a better planet. Our region is at the center of the climate crisis.”

The Prespa Agreement is harmful, but we will abide by it

With reference to the Prespa Agreement and the position taken by VMRO members, Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized that “we are prepared for all scenarios. The action of the PtD of North Macedonia was a flagrant violation of the Prespa Agreement. On the other hand, we realize that at the moment the political leadership does not exist. As soon as there is a new government, we will take the necessary steps.”

“We are monitoring the observance of the Prespa Agreement, which was ratified by the parliaments of the two countries and at the moment cannot be amended unilaterally. Even if there is the will from North Macedonia or Greece to amend the Treaty unilaterally, it cannot be done. The possibility of a unilateral complaint is not provided for,” the foreign minister clarified.

“The Greek government had pointed out in time the problems of the Prespa Agreement. They are both political, geopolitical and technical problems. The Prespa Agreement was a treaty that provided for issues that have costs for Greece. On the other hand, it was an agreement, which technically and legally had serious problems that arise over time. For this reason, from the beginning we were of the opinion that this Agreement is harmful. We will abide by this Agreement and ensure its faithful observance”, he added.