M. VARVITSIOTIS: There are a number of countries in favour of the vaccination certificate
In an interview on PARAPOLITIKA 90.1 radio, with journalists Christina Korai and Dimitris Takis, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis discussed the resumption of the exploratory talks with Turkey and the European vaccination certificate issue.
Mr. Varvitsiotis pointed out that the exploratory talks are not negotiations, but a process aimed at ascertaining whether the two sides can find common ground. He also highlighted that the resumption of the exploratory talks is taking place in the midst of international condemnation of and sanctions on Turkey, which is asking Europe for a chance to find a functional solution. The Alternate Minister reiterated that Greece is not discussing issues such as the demilitarization of its islands or curtailing of its national sovereignty, adding that the international environment is not favourable for Turkey’s undermining the talks, and that if it does so, it will be held responsible for their collapse and have to face the tough stance of Greece and the EU.
Responding to a question on yesterday's European Council meeting and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s proposal for issuing of a single European vaccination certificate, Mr. Varvitsiotis underscored that this proposal has been accepted in principle and “more and more countries are joining the front in favour its implementation.” At the same time, he said, it is important for European vaccination to move ahead without further delays from the companies providing the vaccines.
January 22, 2021