Greece will never get into rational bidding in Libyathe Foreign Minister clarifies George Gerapetritis Speaking to Protothema, stressing that the country remains a reliable partner, he strongly defends international law and invests in multidimensional diplomacy from Africa to the Aegean.

Referring to developments in Libya, the Foreign Minister said that Greece never left this critical area: “Turkey is very active in Libya and in Africa in general, with a clearly expanding policy. But we never left Libya. On the contrary, we have successfully restored the relationship, activating all channels on both sides. I will soon visit both east and western Libya“

Emphasizing at the beginning of the credible partner, Mr. Gerapetritis stressed that Athens is not going to play a acquisition games in Libya: “Greece will never get into the logic of bidding and redemption. We stand in our principles and have many “weapons in our quiver”. The notorious Turkolibych Memorandum is non -existent, invalid and opposite to international law. Whatever signs it, it does not produce a legal effect. “.

As for the migration, the minister referred to the geopolitical dimensions that go beyond the limits of Libya: “All sub -Saharan Africa is plagued by conflict and instability supplies the southern corridor. Greece made tough decisions, mainly in border surveillance. The sea is open, we do not want to risk human lives – but so far our politics are yielding fruit” Mr Gerapetritis also said he would raise the issue of maritime zones to Libyan authorities: “I will ask both sides to start substantial discussions about the EEZ”.

Also, as he said, “soon the announcements about marine parks in the Ionian Sea and the South Aegean are coming. This is a great environmental initiative that will also have a geopolitical footprint – we know that these actions will provoke reactions from neighboring countries, but Greece will not be inactive. “

In response to criticism, the Foreign Minister stressed: “Good criticism, but good and self -criticism. The truth is that we are activating what has been inactive for decades. I accept that reactions are caused, but I challenge every bona fide judge to see the map of our designs“

He also noted the importance of international investment interest referred to Chevron and its willingness to research hydrocarbons in Greece, saying it is not only economic but also investing in political stability and respect for international law.

Referring to Greek -Turkish, he noted that “Greece operates in a dynamic environment. We do not do trading policy, fortunately we do not choose international law “as they seek”. We support our principles firmly – this is what makes us reliable allies. ” We keep open channels, we have diodes in the US and elsewhere. Relations with Turkey are functional, without solving all the big issues. We do not want Greece to live with our finger permanently – we have reduced migratory flows, limited violations, he underlined.

In response to criticism, George Gerapetritis said: “I know sometimes I’m completely unpopular. I could have been more popular with screams, voices and threats against Turkey – but I prefer to serve my homeland with consistency and seriousness. Anyone who blames me for anesthesia, let’s show exactly where we have lost something. ” Especially for the personal attacks he receives, he said: “The expressions against me have exceeded any threshold of vulgarity. How I have been described is a punch in the stomach. If I thought the vulgar criticism was done by those who care about homeland I would have left. But I know there are self -motivated motives“He noted, stressing that the responsible patriot must tell the truth to his citizens, not flattering them.

In closing, he sent the following message: I am not a political career, but the first citizen. I chose to stand against my fellow citizens with a sense of responsibility. My goal is not to be lonelined in my position but to serve my homeland.