“Greece’s respect for International Law is unconditional. And it is the only response to those attempting to overturn the existing security framework through revisionism or the use of force”, stressed Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis from New York, speaking with the President of the United Nations Security Council, Ms Lana Zeki Nusseibeh. Their discussion, held via teleconference due to Ms Nusseibeh’s illness from the coronavirus, took place the same day the UN Security Council was reconvened for an extraordinary session on Ukraine.
In particular, Mr. Varvitsiotis pointed out to Ms. Nusseibeh that Greece stands for the peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of independent states, while remaining firmly committed to International Law, fully endorsing the Principles of the United Nations Charter.
It is for this reason, the Alternate Minister noted, that Greece immediately condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as any attempt by authoritarian leaders to revise history and redraw borders.
In the same context, he added, Greece responds to the Turkish provocations it faces by invoking International Law and the Treaties it has signed, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS. “International law is a precondition for the peaceful coexistence of peoples and the consolidation of security in the region of the Eastern”, he said.
Mr. Varvitsiotis also raised with Ms Nusseibeh the issue of the Diaspora Greeks in Mariupol, who are of special interest for Greece, and expressed his concern for their security.
Finally, Mr. Varvitsiotis briefed Ms Nusseibeh on Greece’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term.
March 18, 2022