In an interview he gave today to ‘SKAI’ radio and journalist Giorgos Evgenidis, the Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, stressed, among other things, that “everything is on the table, including the issue of sanctions and EU-Turkish relations. Europe must send a strong message to Turkey: It cannot enjoy a privileged relationship with the EU while challenging the sovereign rights of Greece at the same time”.
More specifically, Mr Varvitsiotis noted, with regard to yesterday's extraordinary Summit, that it was understood that Turkish provocations will be an issue that will concern central European bodies throughout the coming period. Furthermore, with regard to the remark by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, that “all options are on the table”, the Alternate Minister stressed that this means the opening of a file that contains not only the issue of sanctions but also the issue of the deteriorating relationship between Europe and Turkey.
Finally, asked whether Greece can pick up the thread of dialogue with Turkey once again, he underlined that the Prime Minister’s message to Turkey was clear and that Greece always adheres to resolving any differences through dialogue. “However, there can be no dialogue under the threat of arms and under extortion”, he stated emphatically.
August 21, 2020