Dear Senator, on behalf of the government of Prime Minister Mitsotakis, I condemn, in the strongest terms, the despicable and cowardly terrorist attack perpetrated yesterday in Kabul; an attack that targeted American servicemen in the line of duty, as well as innocent civilians trying to flee from the dismal prospects of an oppressive rule.
We extend our sincere condolences to the American and the Afghan people.
Dear Senator, in these difficult times allow me to welcome in Athens, a true friend; a Friend with a capital F. And, let me add, we welcome you as an America
n patriot who has done so much in promoting the well-being of the American people.
It is known that you have contributed in the most decisive way to the strengthening of the strategic relationship between the United States and our country, Greece.
It is also known that we are going through the best level of relations between our countries, having established a strategic dialogue in all fields.
In fact, in the context of this strategic dialogue, I look forward to my visit to Washington in October and I want to make it clear that our mutual understanding is that this relationship is not directed against anyone, but reflects the important role that Greece plays in promoting international legality, security and stability in the region.
I am actually referring to values that are endorsed and supported by the United States of America as well. Legislative bodies play a key role in deepening these relationships, and you, as the Senior Senator of New Jersey, have contributed so much.
The list of bills you have co-sponsored is very long, but I would like to refer briefly to the “United States Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act” and the “East Med Act of 2019”.
These are exceptional legislative initiatives that are your brainchildren and not merely bills signed and voted by you.
Dear Senator, Greece is committed to strengthening the transatlantic link. Greece is also committed to respecting international law, including International Law of the Sea. And of course it is absolutely committed to refraining from using violence or threatening to use violence.
Yesterday, during your particularly emotional speech under the Acropolis, I was impressed by the fact that you quoted verses from the poem “The isles of Greece” by a great philhellene, George Gordon, or else Lord Byron.
Greece fought to liberate the islands Lord Byron mentions. They were liberated 100 years after the Greek independence. It is precisely the sovereignty and sovereign rights of these islands that Turkey disputes on a daily basis; sovereignty and sovereign rights that are explicitly provided for in international law beyond any dispute.
In violation of every rule of law, Turkey has issued a threat of war against Greece if it exercises the inalienable right to expand the territorial waters of these islands.
Turkey is the only country in the international community that has issued a threat of war against another country, a casus belli, in the case this other country exercises its inalienable rights.
Dear Senator, you have always emphasized in your speeches the need for respect of fundamental principles by the societies of the 21st century; Democracy, Human Rights, International Law, Peace and Security.
Your positions and the positions of the Hellenic Republic fully coincide.
I will focus on three issues that you have consistently emphasized and I believe they should be at the top of the priorities not only of the United States and the Hellenic Republic, but also of every country.
Firstly, the ban on the export of advanced weapons systems to countries that destabilize their region, countries that promote an agenda contrary to the principles mentioned above.
And let me say that it would be ideal if this stance were adopted not only by the United States and its administration, but also by allied countries that share the same ideals and the same values.
So, whether we are talking about advanced fighter planes, such as the F35, or we are talking about advanced submarines, this ban should be combined with the imposition of sanctions on countries whose actions endanger the coherence of our alliance, NATO.
Secondly, I would like to refer to your constant calls for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops and mercenaries from Libya.
There can be no fair elections in Libya with the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries on its territory, and of course, if Libya is further destabilized, there is a risk that instability will spread to neighboring countries.
And thirdly, I would like to refer to the condemnation of the creation of faits accomplis as a result of the use of force. The very clear position you took a few weeks ago regarding the illegal Turkish declarations on Varosha speaks for itself.
However, our appreciation for you is not only due to your positions on issues concerning Greece. I emphasize that our appreciation is based on the fact that you are an advocate of fundamental principles, such as Democracy, the protection of human rights, and freedom of the press. And this concerns several countries, starting with your parents’ country of origin.
I assure you that Greece stands and will continue to stand firmly by your side. Greece will stand firmly by the side of the United States in the pursuit of democracy, freedom and human rights.
Thank you so much for your visit to Athens.