Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statement following the conclusion of the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Egypt, Cyprus, France and Italy (Cairo, 8 January 2020)

“I Thank you Sameh, thank you dear colleagues.

Today’s meeting has provided us with a great opportunity to engage in thorough discussions on the recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean and in Libya.

This is an area where we have witnessed a sharp rise in instability and an unprecedented escalation of Turkish provocations.

And Ι am greatly pleased and grateful that France has joined Greece, Egypt and Cyprus at our meeting here today. It was also important that Italy was present in our consultations.

We envision this endeavour as inclusive of all interested parties -Turkey included- provided they respect the precepts of International Law, including of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea.

On Libya, we are unfortunately witnessing the same pattern of aggressive behavior adopted by Turkey in Cyprus and in the Aegean. Actually, on Libya we are in unanimous agreement that the agreements on delimiting maritime zones and security cooperation signed between Mr. Sarraj and Turkey are null and void. As well as on the unlawfulness of the latter’s decision to deploy troops in Libya. “Import” of troops or weapons, which constitutes a gross violation of the relevant UN Security Council Resolution and seriously undermines the international community’s efforts to reach a political solution to the Libyan conflict. Moreover, the two so-called agreements present a threat to regional peace and stability and fuel a dangerous escalation of the conflict.

Greece fully supports efforts headed by UN Special Representative Ghassan Salamé, as well as efforts undertaken in the framework of the Berlin process.

It is time for dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation and we will support all efforts towards that end.

Thank you.”