The delinquent behavior of Skopje since the elections was highlighted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, during his intervention at the Council of Foreign Affairs, which was held in Luxembourg.

According to diplomatic sources, at the EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, G. Gerapetritis pointed out the clear interpretation of the Prespa Agreement, which applies to all (erga omnes). The selective application of International Law, he underlined, is impermissible. He concluded by saying that the future of the Western Balkans lies in Europe, however, a fundamental condition is the faithful observance of the European acquis and International Law.

At the working lunch of the European Ministers of Foreign Affairs with their counterparts from the Western Balkans, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the European perspective is a one-way street, but it should be based on the integrity and the same performance of the states on the following three levels: a. European acquis b. Observance of fundamental rules, democracy, rule of law, protection of minorities c. Faithful application of International Law.

Diplomatic sources also state that following Greek intervention and concerted diplomatic actions, the EU High Representative, Z. Borel, stated again, explicitly, during his intervention, that the principle “pacta sunt servanda” (what has been agreed must be kept) is prerequisite for the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

On the subject of the Middle East, the Foreign Minister expressed Greece’s undivided solidarity with Cyprus due to the recent threats against it. Regarding the crisis in Gaza, Mr. Gerapetritis highlighted three proposals-initiatives of Greece:

  1. The proposal to establish a Euro-Arab Task force of Foreign Ministers, which will work, multiply and exert pressure on all parties and which is necessary because there is no consensus on the plan of American President Biden. All member states are positive about the idea and the way of implementation is being investigated. In this context, the upcoming visit to Athens of the Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs next Wednesday is included.
  2. Greece-Denmark-Portugal jointly proposed the provision of technical assistance to the Palestinian Authority for the building of its institutions. In particular, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke about the European acquis, good legislation, rules of transparency and accountability.
  3. The Minister of Foreign Affairs supported and proposed that the European Union welcome from Gaza injured or starving children.

Finally, in the discussion on Ukraine, the Greek foreign minister emphasized, according to diplomatic sources, that it is not a simple war, but a matter of principle. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states is at stake. Regarding the supply of defense equipment to Ukraine, he underlined that there should be transparency in the transactions of the supply of weapon systems through third countries.