“Secretary Pompeo’s visit demonstrated that the US recognises Greece as a pillar of stability in the wider region — and so does the EU”, stressed Alternate Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis during an interview to Bloomberg and the ‘European Close’ show, broadcast live on Tuesday afternoon.
In response to questions by journalists Guy Johnson and Alix Steel, Mr Varvitsiotis referred to the US Secretary of State's visit to Thessaloniki and Crete, stating that Greece is a traditional and firm ally of the United States. He stressed that there is a clear message to Turkey: that its behaviour will not be tolerated by the international community, and that neither the US nor the EU intend to permit Turkey to act outside the rules of International Law. He added that the international community has come to understand that it is not Greece causing tensions, but Turkey that wants to change the status quo, disregarding International Law. He further noted that Greece is seeking dialogue without the presence of military means and with respect on the part of Turkey for the rules of international law.
Asked about the upcoming EU Summit, Mr Varvitsiotis noted that the European Union is prepared to present Ankara with two options. One is the path of cooperation. The other is the path Turkey has been following to date, the path of distancing itself from European values — and at the end of this path lie sanctions. “The EU’s message to Turkey is that there will be zero tolerance for any actions undermining stability and security in the region”, he stressed. In response to a relevant question, the Alternate Minister made it clear that Greece will not accept demilitarisation of our islands while under threat.
Finally, asked about defence cooperation between the US and Greece, he underlined the importance of the base in Souda for the security of the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean.
September 29, 2020