“Our country is facing escalating aggression from Turkey, in complete violation of International Law, the International Law of the Sea, and the principle of good neighbourly relations. Throughout the eastern Mediterranean region, Turkey has unfortunately evolved into a destabilising factor, provoking tensions. Its flagrant violation of the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, its exploitation of the migration issue and its involvement in Libya – including the null and void memorandum it signed with Sarraj and its systematic violation of the arms embargo imposed by the UN – have rendered our neighbour the region’s troublemaker. But in its unacceptable decision to alter the monument status and ecumenical nature of Hagia Sophia, Turkey went a step further, provoking the whole of the international community.
Faced with these developments, Greece is fortifying itself methodically – with composure and self-confidence – strengthening its alliances in the wider region from the Mediterranean to the Gulf, deepening its strategic partnership with the USA and, mainly, activating our natural family, the European Union. The recent meeting of the Council of EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs confirmed the universal condemnation of Turkish provocations and the fact that Europe fully agrees with Greece’s positions. And the Council is prepared, if need be, to proceed to clear actions, taking specific and severe measures against our neighbour. Greece does not want this to happen. We desire a prosperous Turkey as our neighbour. But the defence of our sovereignty and sovereign rights is not up for negotiation; it is our constitutional duty. And in this clear position and effort, we are shielded by international law. We have strong alliances, a strong deterrent force and the full support of our partners.”
July 19, 2020