As you are aware, the briefing of all parliamentary parties constitutes one of the government's priorities. This is because foreign policy should embody the element of national unity.
So, first of all, I briefed my colleagues on my visit to Mariupol yesterday. About 120,000 Diaspora Greeks live in this broader region. I had the opportunity to talk with their representatives and reassure them of Greece’s interest in them.
I also visited the village of Sartana, where there is a Greek school, where the Greek language is taught. I had the opportunity to pay due tribute to the grave of Diaspora Greeks who were killed during the conflict and the hostilities in the region in 2014.
In addition to security issues, the Greek community also faces serious problems concerning health care and living conditions. The Greek state will help as much as possible in addressing these problems.
In the course of my visit I also spoke on the telephone with my Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, whom I assured about Greece’s principled position. Greece, as a matter of principle, always supports the independence and territorial integrity of all states, in accordance with International Law, in accordance with the United Nations Charter. And I would like to add that Greece has supported and continues to support the de-escalation of tensions in this region. We maintain communication channels with all parties involved. I need not remind you that a few days ago I spoke with my Russian colleague, Sergey Lavrov. Russia is an integral part of the European security architecture, in any case. It is our firm belief that in order to achieve de-escalation, dialogue is essential.
In the course of the briefing of the Parties, I also referred to developments in the wider region with emphasis on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans.
I stressed what I also said the day before yesterday in Parliament. Greece will continue to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights within the framework of International Law and the International Law of the Sea.
Moreover, Greece will continue to respond to any provocations.
Greece, however, is also in favour of constructive dialogue, of course always on the basis of International Law and the International Law of the Sea.
Greece talks with all countries and acknowledges International Law as the basis on which discussions between states should take place; including the discussion with Turkey, if Turkey wishes to join this framework.
I also talked to my colleagues about the development of multilateral schemes in the region, including the 3+1 format between Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States.I would like to say that we are particularly pleased with the fact that the European Commission announced last week that it would help finance the Euro-Asia Interconnector, that is, the electricity interconnection between Greece, Cyprus and Israel. An announcement that was also warmly welcomed by the United States.
Finally, I had the opportunity to brief my colleagues on the diplomatic openings of Greek foreign policy, first in Africa, but also later in Asia, Oceania and South America.
February 1, 2022