Government

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alexandros Papaioannou’s response to a journalist’s question regarding the recent press release by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (05.01.2022)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias expresses the firm positions of the Greek Government as regards Foreign Policy issues, positions that reflect Greece’s commitment to respecting International Law and safeguarding the interests of our country.

These positions are outlined in a calm and sober manner, while studiously refraining from mentioning by name officials from other countries, as is customary in diplomatic practice.

It is truly regrettable that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs violates this cardinal rule and is throwing unfounded and unsubstantiated accusations against officials of other countries, such as Greece’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

And it is also an oxymoron that the very country which has systematically made a number of aggressive statements over the last few days through its government officials, who directly threaten Greece and even contest its territorial sovereignty, is accusing our country of “provocative statements and actions”.

As regards the unilateral claims laid out in the aforementioned press release, they are rejected in their entirety.

Greece will continue to forge its relations with neighbouring and other countries in the context of respect for International Law and good neighbourly relations and calls those countries in the region that have not already done so, to respect these fundamental rules instead of trampling them underfoot on daily basis.

At the same time, Greece will continue to strengthen its alliances and partnerships, which are of a purely defensive nature.

Greece makes no unlawful and unilateral claims and retains the legitimate right to self-defence as stipulated in the United Nations Charter.

Finally, Greece is always open to constructive dialogue, under the essential precondition that it is being carried out in full respect for International law, including the International Law of the Sea.

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