Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis’ interview with “Real FM” radio station and journalist Nikos Hatzinikolaou- main points (Athens 11.11.2022)

“Turkey is clearly under pressure by the actions taken by Greece, mainly/ by those in the field of armaments. It is extremely problematic that provocative statements are being made by Turkey particularly in this intensity. Greece avoids the trap of always responding to every provocative statement”. This was emphasized by Alternate Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis in an interview today with Real FM radio station and journalist Nikos Hadjinikolaou.

In particular, the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted that “the deterioration of Greek-Turkish relations and their transformation into an election issue in Turkey with the now monotonous repetition of ‘we will come suddenly one night’ is something extremely counterproductive”.  This is what he pointed out to the Turkish MPs who visited Athens this week for the works of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Group on the Mediterranean and the Middle East, he added. He also stated that Greece is calmly considering all scenarios in order to be prepared for any eventuality, and he specifically referred to the strengthening of international strategic relations and alliances, which sends a message of stability in the region.

Lastly, in response to a question about rising prices, Mr. Varvitsiotis stated that as an MP elected in West Athens, where the working class lives and toils, he is aware that this is “the number one issue” for citizens. He underscored, however, that the way the Greek government is addressing the imported inflationary crisis through targeted measures (electricity bills subsidies, the household basket, and the first pension increase in 13 years) will give the Mitsotakis government the vote of confidence to continue on the path to economic recovery.