Foreign Ministry spokesman Gregory Delavekouras made the following statement in reply to a question regarding statements from Turkish European Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis:
“The threatening statements from Mr. Bagis and other developments in recent days raise serious concerns as to the impact of Turkey’s conduct on the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean region at a very critical and sensitive time: with the events in Syria and Libya and the ongoing efforts to relaunch the peace process on the Palestinian issue. This conduct is opposed to the policy Turkey has declared: that of zero problems with its neighbours. We call on the Turkish government to conduct itself with greater responsibility and respect for international law, which it has been invoking frequently of late.
The Greek Foreign Ministry has taken a stance on the issue of the self-evident right of the Republic of Cyprus to exploit is natural wealth, in accordance with international law. No further comment – particularly on Mr. Bagis’ statements – is necessary.”
September 3, 2011