Interview of Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis on SKAI TV’s morning show “SIMERA”, with journalist D. Oikonomou – Main points (29.06.2021)

Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis described the Turkish claims as unacceptable in an interview on SKAI TV’s morning show “SIMERA” with journalist Dimitris Oikonomou. Regarding the new claims from Ankara and the recent statements of Turkish officials, Mr. Varvitsiotis added that Turkey does not seem to have received the message of the EU that effective de-escalation by way of a substantial dialogue is necessary.

Referring to the conclusions of the recent European Council, the Alternate Minister pointed out that Turkey recorded losses with regards to its usual claims and that the European Union once again stood in solidarity with Greece and Cyprus. He noted that, although the de-escalation was welcomed at last week’s General Affairs Council, there were statements, even from the German side, that “Turkey does not seem to understand the message of Europe, that not only de-escalation, but also engagement in a meaningful dialogue is needed”. Mr. Varvitsiotis stressed that “Turkish claims are unacceptable”, while he added that the fact that the EU acknowledges that the borders of Greece are also borders of Europe is important, and that the presence of Frontex also contributes to this.

Referring to the new proposed European funding to support the Syrian refugees hosted in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, Mr. Varvitsiotis stressed that for the first time, and at the suggestion of Greece and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Lebanon and Jordan were included in the recipients of the funds because, as he noted, “we want to make it clear that it is not only Turkey but also other countries that we need to assist”.