M. Varvitsiotis on Turkey: “Declarations of good intentions are not enough. The rapprochement with the EU must be real, consistent and continuous”
“It is very important to remain coordinated at the European level on the vaccination issue, in spite of voices calling for greater independence,” stressed Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis during today's interview on ERT1's “EPTA” with journalist Valia Petouri.
More specifically, Mr Varvitsiotis noted that by ordering vaccines from all the companies producing them, the European Union protected its citizens and Member States from vaccination competition and, possibly, new divisions within Europe.
He clarified that there is no deal “under the table” for individual states, adding that the pressure exerted on companies by Europe will ultimately bear fruit and the programme of vaccination doses will be completed.
With regard to vaccination in Greece, the Alternate Minister explained that what we achieved — in contrast with other states — was to ensure adequacy of the second doses of vaccines, “as we are aware that this significantly increases immunity rates.” He also stated that we will see a major change in vaccination levels once additional vaccines are licensed.
With respect to the European vaccination certificate proposed by the Greek Prime Minister, Mr Varvitsiotis underlined that “the proposal was adopted by the European Council and this certificate is materialising.”
Finally, asked to comment on Greek-Turkish relations, the Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs stressed that while Ankara appears to be approaching Europe once again, declarations of good intentions are not enough. “This expression of a willingness for rapprochement is the result of pressure exerted by the European Council meetings held in October and December, where two paths were laid out before Turkey: either cooperation or distancing and sanctions,” he noted, adding that Turkey must prove this demonstrably, consistently and over time, and must abstain from provocative actions.
January 30, 2021