“Concessions from the rule of law and political freedoms cannot be tolerated. There are convincing answers to each of them as invoked. ” Tade of a journalist’s question after his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Slovenia, Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis Asked about the arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople, Imamoglou.

Mr. Gerapetritis, after meeting with Tanja fajon stressed:

Dear Deputy Prime Minister, Dear Tanja,

It is a great pleasure and honor to be here at the Slovenian Foreign Ministry.

I would like to congratulate you personally on your excellent work, dynamism and influential character, elements absolutely necessary for both the European Union and the United Nations.

Greece and Slovenia, members of the United Nations Security Council and partners within the EU, share common values, principles and challenges.

We have a common perspective on the world in very difficult times. Our European values ​​are our common set of principles and we are very strongly defended. We adhere to international law and prove our common attitude in its full implementation.

Greece and Slovenia participate in many organizations and share many common approaches.

We both ease the EU’s voice to the UN Security Council. It is especially important at the moment to be united. We look forward to further strengthening our coordination for the forthcoming presidency of Greece at the Security Council in May. It would be our honor to have the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the high level event we will organize on May 20 in New York.

I visit Ljubljana shortly after Geneva, as the Foreign Minister said, for a meeting on the Cyprus issue, under the auspices of the UN Secretary -General.

We firmly believe in the importance of continuing dialogue, discussion. Yesterday, we recognized the importance of consultation, despite any differences. We believe that the framework of the United Nations is the foundation to resolve the Cyprus problem, which will lead to the reunification of the island.

Today, here in Slovenia, we have agreed on the need to increase and enhance our bilateral ties on economy, trade, investment, energy. There are many areas where we could improve our cooperation.

In tourism, as the Deputy Prime Minister just mentioned, we have a very good performance. The second place is not enough, but we will work to get to the top. Greek visitors are very happy with the beautiful Ljubljana and this beautiful country.

I would like to emphasize the importance of strengthening our cooperation and in the context of the three seas initiative. Greece became the 13th member in 2023. It is important that the Aegean becomes the “fourth” sea in the whole project that unites many countries. We firmly believe that this southern dimension is important because it serves to bridge south and north. This is important because it expands the perspective of geopolitical interests in the region.

We also discussed, as mentioned, on the “Med9” initiative. Given this year’s Slovenian Presidency, we will work closely and participate in all the events organized by Slovenia. I think it is important to have this kind of regional results when it comes to common challenges, and we fully support all Slovenian initiatives.

One of its priorities is EU foreign policy and enlargement. We discussed extensively about the enlargement process and especially the Western Balkans. We believe that the expansion process within the European Union is a revitalization process for the European Union. The determination of our two countries on the next steps concerning the Western Balkans is extremely important.

It has been 22 years since the Thessaloniki agenda, which has set the framework for the accession of the Western Balkans. I think we need to take appropriate and strong action in order to speed up the process. Apparently on the basis of the European acquis, international law and the principle of own performance. But we need to speed up the process and share this perception with the Foreign Minister.

The war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East have turned around the whole world. We had some positive news on both sides, but we also had some negative news.

The truce seems not to be sufficient. We need to shape a mentality of peace and prosperity. The conflict in Ukraine must be ended. We support a fair, total and lasting peace for Ukraine with full respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. Obviously, we must realize that the war in Ukraine is not just a war between two states, but is an existential issue for the whole world.

Also in the Middle East we are deeply overwhelmed by the restart of hostilities in Gaza and the large number of human losses. We appeal to respect the truce, release of hostages and for unhindered flow of additional humanitarian aid. In Gaza there is an urgent need for additional humanitarian aid. And we work together to ensure that this help will reach those in need.

Dear Tanja,

At a time characterized by uncertainty on global issues, the development of relationships, like ours, is not just important, but it really makes the difference. Together we can produce much better results for a better world. And this is an obligation we have to the world and future generations.

Thank you.

Journalist: Minister, just returned from Geneva. Is there a reason for optimism that talks will produce more results this time than in the past?

G. GREATRITIS: I am very happy to have managed to rejuvenate the talks on the Cyprus issue. This is probably the best news we have heard in the last 8 years of immobility and inactivity.

We are still far from a solution, which can only be understood within the framework of the Security Council resolutions for a bi -zonal bi -communal federation. However, I have to emphasize that it was a big step in the fact that the two parties discussed in a consulting manner, along with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and Greece and with the representation of the United Kingdom.

There are some tangible results from talks on the Cyprus issue in Geneva, under the auspices of the Secretary -General of the United Nations. Specifically, the appointment of a personal envoy to the Cyprus issue, a specific timetable for the next steps, which is of great importance. And especially the next meeting in the expanded figure of the five, including the two parties and the three guarantor forces, next July. And of course a list of positive measures. Measures, which could be the basis for further confidence building, which is at the moment a particularly important issue.

The truth is that we need to restore trust so that we can move on. I have to say that I have little optimism. The truth is that, given the circumstances in the world right now, there is little hope that we could have good news. And good news could only be reunification.

Journalist: You both referred to the EU enlargement and that the EU proposes ways for Europe to gain its strategic autonomy and to enhance its defense industry. Among other things, the transfer of funds from cohesion to defense was proposed. Are you worried that this will create additional obstacles to enlargement? Are you worried that this will cause a gap even between the Member States?

G. GREATRITIS: As if we didn’t have enough gaps already. There are two truths. The first truth is that the expansion process must proceed. Enlargement is a key to Europe. We need an inclusive Europe. And the greater Europe, the stronger it becomes. Especially nowadays, where we need to show unity and power. Of course, there are candidates in a pre-romance process and we must completely encourage them. Together with Slovenia we have worked to provide specific incentives and know -how. And we will exhaust every possible means in order to make progress in the expansion process in an essential way in the future.

As for the EU’s defense autonomy, this is an initiative that has been implemented after intense efforts for the last three years. It is important for Europe to become autonomous and self -sufficient. It is important, not only for the power of the Member States, but also for the well -being of European peoples. On the other hand, I have to express my concern about the possible transfer of funds from the cohesion.

I think cohesion is a key factor in Europe. It is the heart of “social” Europe. We cannot have many concessions in this area. We all recognize how important it is to develop the potential of the EU’s defense mechanism. But, on the other hand, this cannot be at the expense of social cohesion. We need to find alternative ways of financing this new way of shaping the budget.

Journalist: Question about the events in Turkey (after the statements).

G. GREATRITIS: Concessions from the rule of law and political freedoms cannot be tolerated. There are persuasive answers for each of them citing their breach.