Ladies and Gentlemen,
Unfortunately, this year, due to prior commitments, I cannot be with you.
But, at this particularly critical juncture, I’d like to share with you some thoughts on the new international order; in Eastern Europe, as well as in the area of immediate interest for us, the Mediterranean, both Eastern and Central.
With regard to the war in Ukraine, we are unfortunately witnessing a new escalation that places the civilian population at the center of the conflict. The war front is now expanding to the entire country. As several world leaders have already stated, there is a risk of nuclear weapons being used for the first time in decades.
Greece’s position remains firm. We stand for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. We condemned the illegal annexation of territories of Ukraine by Russia. Any tolerance by the international community could set a disastrous precedent.
There is still a Greek community in Ukraine, to which we have only in part access due to the hostilities. Our primary concern remains its protection, as well as justice to be done for any possible war crimes committed.
Unfortunately, however, ladies and gentlemen, the forces of revisionism and of regression to 19th century practices are not only returning to what one historian referred to as ‘bloodlands’. They are returning to our immediate neighbourhood with renewed vigour and force.
Besides its unacceptable, reprehensible and ongoing rhetoric against Greece, Turkey is also engaging in actions that threaten to upend the fragile balance in the Mediterranean.
Most recently, by signing a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with a government that no longer has international legitimacy to do so. Relying on a legal monstrosity agreed three years ago.
At the same time, it continues its provocative actions in the Aegean, Cyprus and other regions. Violating fundamental principles of International Law. Principles, which Turkey itself invokes in a display of hypocrisy, if not absurdity.
Ladies and gentlemen,
we are not going to be dragged into following this path. We will defend our rights in full cooperation with our friends and allies. Starting with our brotherly Cyprus. But we will do so guided by the fundamental principles of the United Nations and the European Union.
Because this is what our own principles dictate. This is what civilized countries do.
As we did with Italy and Egypt. These agreements, as well as the recent agreement between Israel and Lebanon on maritime zones, always on the basis of International Law, set a shining example that all other countries in the region should follow.
Thank you.