JOURNALIST: Is there a timeframe for the country’s exercising its right to 12 miles in the Aegean and Crete, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: For a year now, the Greek government has been following a more extrovert and proactive foreign policy, energetically exercising all of its legal rights. It is not inactive. It does not follow developments passively. The best proof of this is the two historic agreements we signed this summer with Italy and Egypt. And neither was drawn up from scratch. They were the result of systematic work and intensive preparation on our part. In precisely this spirit, we will exercise all of our sovereign rights. Resolutely, methodically and always in accordance with the provisions of International Law, leaving no room for disputes. So, I would say that Greece will continue to grow, but everything will be done at the right time and in the right way.
JOURNALIST: What is the significance of the Summit of the South, which is being held in Corsica on Macron’s initiative?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: The MED7 Summit Meeting is an important opportunity for the peoples of the European South to show that they stand together against the challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is a summit that Greece made the preparations for in June. In fact, having had the honour of coordinating these preparations, I assure you that the framework of discussion has been formulated to include the critical issues of defence, security and economy that concern us. So, beyond the resounding support of French President Macron for Greece’s positions, on 10 September we also expect to see the rest of the South show that the front remains solid against Turkey’s provocations. Because these provocations jeopardise not only Greek interests, but also the security of the whole region.
JOURNALIST: Is there an alternative plan if, in the end, we are not satisfied with the European sanctions?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: At the informal Meeting of EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Europe showed, once again, that it stands by Greece firmly, just as it did in Evros and the Aegean. The framework of sanctions proposed by Mr. Borrell against Turkey’s provocative conduct is a good foundation for the discussions on the level of heads of state/government. Turkey has to get the message from Brussels that its relations will not continue to be normal if it continues with this provocative stance. However, if Turkey escalates its aggressiveness, our country is prepared to defend its sovereign rights, using all legitimate means and with a specific plan for its reaction. We are on alert. We have the determination and deterrent force to face any threat.
JOURNALIST: What diplomatic weapons could Athens use on the European level?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: The diplomatic marathon is under way. Greece has shown that it supports and promotes dialogue with all its neighbours, without exception, and the Greek government has underscored this in all fora, guided by the pursuit of peace, cooperation and respect for the rules of International Law and the principles of good neighbourly relations. Exactly through such an honest and constructive dialogue, we recently concluded the agreements with Italy and Egypt. Dialogue, however, cannot take place under the threat of gunboats and blackmail. As I have said in the past, our territorial sovereignty is and will remain non-negotiable. Greece is prepared for any eventuality. We have the ways and means to respond if and whenever we are challenged.
JOURNALIST: How might the USA’s lifting the arms embargo on Cyprus be used in the current state of affairs?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: This historic move on the part of the USA comes at an important and turbulent time globally and in the Southeastern Mediterranean. The lifting of this embargo, with the right to annual renewal, is proof of recognition of the role the Republic of Cyprus is playing as a country contributing to peace in the region. The symbolism is very crucial: this is happening for the first time since 1987, when this embargo was imposed. It is also an important step in fortifying Cyprus against Turkey’s provocations and illegal actions.
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September 5, 2020