Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis stated in Parliament that Greece possesses “enormous geopolitical capital”that it can leverage whenever the country’s national interests are at stake, responding to a topical question from Freedom Movement MP Alexandros Kazamias regarding the risk of a Turkish law being passed that reinforces claims in the Aegean.
“I want to be clear: no concessions on our national rights and interests,” he stated emphatically.
The minister emphasized that unilateral actions in the field of the Law of the Sea do not create law and do not establish fait accompli, noting, however, that the Greek government must actively maintain all available means and channels of communication.
Alexandros Kazamias argued that, although such actions do not produce legal effects, there is a risk of creating de facto situations that could hinder the promotion of Greek positions in the Aegean.
At the same time, he called on the government to pursue a more active policy at the bilateral, European, and international levels, expressing concern about a wait-and-see approach until the content of the Turkish bill becomes known.
In response, George Gerapetritis noted that “justice is not created through unilateral actions, nor does it produce any fait accompli, ” while emphasizing that Greece pursues a proactive and active foreign policy.
“We do not wait for a reaction; we provoke action.”
The Foreign Minister noted that Greece continuously briefs allies and partners on issues concerning peace and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and has international alliances on which it can rely.
As he said, the country is at the “hard core” of international organizations and the European Union, and possesses all the necessary tools to respond to any development.
“We don’t wait for a reaction; we take the initiative,” he noted, referring to maritime spatial planning, marine parks, hydrocarbon exploration, Greece’s presence on the UN Security Council, and the strengthening of the Armed Forces.
In closing, the Foreign Minister asserted that Greece is constantly strengthening its international presence, from the United States and North Africa to the Western Balkans, the Gulf states, Israel, and India.
“Greece is currently expanding its geopolitical footprint,” hestated, adding that the country has a vision of becoming a major power on the global geopolitical stage.
Source: APE-MPE