PASOK MP Michalis Katrinis raised serious questions about the government’s handling of the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnector during an appearance on Skai’s “Atairiastoi” programme, seeking answers about the French diplomatic note to Turkey, the diplomatic contacts that preceded it and the delay in starting the surveys.
“Why should Greece authorise a third country to conduct foreign policy on its behalf?” he asked, noting that France’s foreign ministry had been involved in repeated meetings and consultations with the Turkish side over a project linked to the exercise of Greek sovereign rights. He said the government must clarify what exactly was presented to Turkey for information, discussion or approval, and what role the Greek side played and what it knew.
Michalis Katrinis focused in particular on the contents of the diplomatic note, which have not been disclosed despite related requests. He also cited a report in “Kathimerini” saying the note had been sent to Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Turkey. He asked the foreign minister to explain whether the Greek government knew what it contained and how that information squared with statements by the government spokesperson.
Electricity interconnector
“The issue is not just the text itself. It is how Greece exercises its sovereign rights in the field,” he stressed. He recalled that the Greek state, not the French company, guarantees the safety of the survey operations and the defence of Greek sovereign rights. He also rejected the government’s reference to Turkey’s counter-NAVTEX, stressing that this was a longstanding Turkish practice.
He also asked why, although the Greek NAVTEX was issued on 6 November, the French research vessel was still in Heraklion at the time of the discussion. “When will the French research vessel set sail, and when will the surveys begin?” he asked, challenging the government’s emphatic assurances that everything was proceeding as normal.
The PASOK MP called on the Prime Minister to brief the leaders of the political parties so they could adopt a common position on an issue that requires careful handling. He said the foreign minister’s closed-door briefing to the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee was not enough while crucial questions remained unanswered.