Today, within the framework of the Informal Council of EU Foreign Ministers "Gymnich", we had the opportunity to address issues related to international politics, global security and peace. We discussed Niger and the situation in Ukraine, which unfortunately continues to torment our continent and the whole world.
With respect to Niger, I underlined along with my European counterparts the importance of preserving peace in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Sahel. It is essential to restore constitutional order and peace in a region where numerous coups d'état have occurred.
We are mistaken, if we believe that Sahel is far away and it does not affect us in Europe. Apart from the humanitarian crisis, which is of utmost importance, there are issues related to migratory flows and maritime security. Global peace is at stake on a daily basis. The European Union is and must always be a pioneer with regards to democracy and peace.
Concerning Ukraine, we had the opportunity to reaffirm, in the presence of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, our faith in the just outcome of the war caused by Russia's unprovoked invasion. We insist on the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine as well as on the prevention of any revisionism in Europe and the world.
For my part, I had the opportunity to raise the issue of the Athens Summit, held on August 21, where, at the invitation of the Prime Minister, we hosted the leaders of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. We discussed the accession path of these countries to the EU, which is, in reality, the prerequisite for the prosperity of their peoples and for peace in the region.
I also raised the issue of Greece's support to Ukraine, which encompasses many areas. I reiterated Greece's position that it will be present the day after the war ends, which will hopefully come soon. Not only in terms of restoring the extensive damage throughout the country, particularly in cities with which we share very strong historical ties, such as Odessa, but also on numerous fronts that will emerge the next day and on which Greece should definitely be at the forefront.
I also brought up the crisis that broke out due to Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. I referred to Greece’s capacity to provide an alternative route for the transportation of grain, particularly through the ports of Alexandroupolis and Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. We all need to realize that the security and peace of the world is a matter that concerns everyone.
JOURNALIST: Do you intend to visit Ukraine soon? You announced it at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs some days ago. You also hosted a dinner for your Ukrainian counterpart a few days ago in Athens.
G. GERAPETRITIS: My Ukrainian counterpart and I had the opportunity to discuss the war in Ukraine. We have an excellent relationship and mutual understanding. I have been invited to visit Kyiv and Odessa. We intend to visit these war-torn cities in the immediate future and express Greece's solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people not just symbolically but also substantially.
JOURNALIST: You have already mentioned Russia's stance and the collapse of the Grain Initiative, as well as our country's initiatives. Does Greece intend to take any initiative in this regard?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece is involved in many ways. In addition to joining the G7 Joint Declaration for Ukraine, Greece undertakes a leadership role within the EU in favour of Ukraine, through the Athens Summit Declaration on the European perspective of Ukraine. Furthermore, as we have already announced, there will also be humanitarian aid and material support for Ukraine. We will also provide the necessary assistance for the training of Ukrainian pilots in F-16 fighter aircraft, in which our country possesses high expertise. Wherever and however possible, Greece will be present in this unjust war against Ukraine.
JOURNALIST: Let us turn to another topic, that is the Greek-Albanian relations. Did you raise the issue of Fredi Beleri? Was this issue discussed?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The case of Fredi Beleri and his unjust temporary detention, which prevents his swearing-in as Mayor of Himarë, has already been raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by me personally, in all possible fora. All EU Member State Ministers, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and NATO’s Secretary General, Mr. Stoltenberg have been personally informed. There has also been a thorough briefing of the European Commission and the European Parliament.
I had the opportunity to hold an extensive private discussion with the Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, with whom we addressed the issues of the Western Balkans. Greece, as you are aware, has taken the initiative to accelerate the Western Balkans' path towards the European family. And 20 years after the historic Thessaloniki Summit Declaration, Greece will always be a supporter of these countries regarding their European perspective.
Specifically on Mr. Beleri’ s case, I would like to point out that, regardless of the court ruling and the independence of the Albanian judiciary, the detention prevents him from assuming his duties. This is a clear violation of the presumption of innocence, of the Rule of Law, of civil rights, both of him and the citizens of Himarë who elected him. And I would like to emphasize that the swearing in and taking office by Mr. Beleri is not related to the modus operandi of the Albanian judiciary system, but is purely a matter of political will of the Albanian government. For this reason, Greece will continue to exhaust every possibility so that Mr. Beleri is sworn in as Mayor. Thereby, the explicit will of the people of Himarë, as expressed in the municipal elections of May 14th, will be respected.
JOURNALIST: Your upcoming visit to Ankara is on Monday afternoon. You will meet with your Turkish counterpart on Tuesday morning.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece always strives to maintain good neighbourly relations. We support the peaceful settlement of disputes and, of course, we always adhere to the fundamental principle of respect for International Law. We are indeed attempting a new start with our neighbour, Türkiye, so that we can discuss our differences, as we ought to do. We can examine the possibility that our only dispute, namely the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone, can be brought before international jurisdiction.
With cautious optimism, we look forward to establishing an unimpeded and positive communication channel through constructive actions, which we will develop. It goes without saying that statements in a hostile tone do not contribute to the preservation of the peaceful environment and good neighbourly relations. We will consistently pursue a peaceful, good relationship with Türkiye, always respecting Greek citizens and safeguarding our national interests and sovereignty. This relationship should be one of mutual understanding of each country's positions, always with respect for International Law.
August 31, 2023