"Türkiye's threats neither affect us nor intimidate us. We will not allow anyone to question our national sovereignty and our sovereign rights", Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis emphasizes in an interview with "Real News" newspaper and journalist Giorgos Siadimas. Regarding Ankara's continued aggressive rhetoric, Mr Varvitsiotis sends a message of determination: "Let them know that Greeks are united, determined and prepared to defend the territorial integrity of our homeland against any threat. Our red lines are our borders’ blue lines”. On the surveillance issue, he states that "political life cannot be held captive by lists of names that emerge… in doses and with undocumented evidence". He adds that SYRIZA is attempting to "survive" politically by focusing on this issue, engaging in "a toxic opposition, as it is unable to provide any other political narrative”.
The full interview is as follows:
JOURNALIST: Türkiye's aggressive rhetoric continues. Erdogan threatened again that "we may come suddenly one night". What is your response?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: Greece is committed to the principles of dialogue over absurdity, of International Law over arbitrariness, of good neighbourliness over bullying. We do not follow the monotonous and ongoing aggressive rhetoric of Ankara, whose conduct is constantly condemned by partners and allies. We are not complacent. We respond with calm and determination. We shield the country by strengthening our defensive and diplomacy. Türkiye and its President should think a little more when they issue these kinds of threats, repeating phrases like 'we may come suddenly one night'. These threats neither affect us nor intimidate us. We will not allow anyone to question our national sovereignty and our sovereign rights. Let them know that Greeks are united, determined and prepared to defend the territorial integrity of our homeland against any threat. Our red lines are our borders’ blue lines”
JOURNALiST: The Turks claim that the possible expansion of our country's territorial waters to 12 miles is a cause for war, casus belli. Are you considering this expansion? And, if so, when might it happen?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: Mr. Siadimas, allow me to recall that Greece has extended its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea to 12 nautical miles. So, for the first time since 1947, our country has grown. It was an act of peace and cooperation, which resulted in the expansion of our country's national sovereignty, without provoking any reactions, with respect for International Law and the Law of the Sea. This is a huge national achievement. In this regard, we have made it clear that it is our inalienable right to extend our territorial waters wherever and whenever we deem it necessary to serve and safeguard our national interests.
JOURNALIST: The recent meeting between Tayyip Erdogan and Joe Biden, according to the Turks, reopens the discussion on F-16s. What do you believe?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: Obviously, the Greek government also monitors the developments, as the attempt to sell F-16s to Türkiye is not something that can go unnoticed, especially given Türkiye's constant threats against us. It is a lengthy process that requires the US Senate’s approval, which has yet to be granted, considering that the Senate's power balance has remained unchanged following the US midterm elections. And all this occurs at a time when Greece is in a position of superiority and is strengthening its deterrent capability, as the F-16s upgrade program is proceeding normally, and an official request for inclusion in the F-35s program has already been submitted to the US.
JOURNALIST: How do you comment on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ recent incident in Libya?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: Greece will continue to vigorously and resolutely defend its fair position that the Turkish- Libyan "memorandum" is invalid and against the interests of our country.
JOURNALIST: How dangerous is the situation following the missile that hit Poland, a NATO member state? According to the Americans, the missile was ultimately Ukrainian and not Russian.
M. VARVITSIOTIS: The recent incident at the Polish border confirms the existing fears of an accident that could lead to a generalised conflict. Delicate handling, rather than knee-jerk reactions, is required in such cases. Something that the parties involved have shown. Furthermore, the manner in which NATO handled the incident demonstrates the pivotal role that the Alliance can play in ensuring European stability and peace.
JOURNALIST: Alexis Tsipras insists on his question to the Prime Minister whether the list of persons tracked by a malicious malware includes a minister monitored with a lawful interception. What do you believe?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: I remind you, Mr. Siadimas, of the Prime Minister's commitment to bring everything to light. From the first day of the revelation of the surveillance issue, the government, and the Prime Minister himself acknowledged the existence of the problem and proceeded to remove individuals who were objectively responsible for all aspects of the handling. The government did not hide, contrary to what SYRIZA claims. It moved institutionally, introducing a new legislative framework to modernise the procedure for lifting the confidentiality of communications, restructuring the National Intelligence Service and upgrading the country's cybersecurity. At the same time the competent judicial authorities took over the investigation of the case. It is obvious that SYRIZA is attempting to 'survive' politically focusing on the surveillance issue. It engages in a toxic opposition, as it is unable to provide any other political narrative, since the government has a long list of successes to demonstrate in many areas of governmental work.
JOURNALIST: However, your name is also included in the list of those who were tracked by Predator. Who could have been monitoring you?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: Political life cannot be held captive by lists of names that emerge in doses and with undocumented evidence. Nobody knows if these are the sole lists and if they are real or not. Moreover, these "revelations", as SYRIZA wants to present them, were not accompanied by any proof or evidence. I have confidence in the Greek justice system and the investigations it is conducting to solve the case and reveal the truth. Light must be shed, no shadows should remain.
JOURNALIST: Could the surveillance issue bring forward the date of the elections? The atmosphere is hitting up and election dilemmas are presented.
M. VARVITSIOTIS: The year 2023 is an election year. Our priority is to complete the government's work. Some will try to poison political life in the run-up to the elections. The dilemma is one and the Prime Minister has set it out at the meeting of the Political Committee: Who is capable of leading the country with stability and security into the future. There is only one answer: New Democracy under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis!
November 20, 2022