Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras expressed his satisfaction with the decisions of the European Council regarding Turkey’s illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), saying that these decisions send a clear, firm and strict message to Turkey.
In an interview with CNN Greece, Tsipras expressed the view that EU decisions represent a breakthrough in Europe’s stance, as it is the first time that the European Council adopts concrete targeted measures against Turkey, if the latter insists in violating Cyprus’ sovereign rights.
The Greek Prime Minister stressed that European Council decisions are the result of Greece’s and Cyprus’ systematic efforts to upgrade their diplomatic standing in the region through multilateral alliances, and also the fruit of their effort to highlight that that their differences with Turkey are not a bilateral but a matter that concers EU-Turkey relations.
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He also expressed the view that although the possibility of an “accident” in the Aegean cannot not be excluded, Turkey will not attempt to create any incident, as such an attempt would deteriorate its position in the region.
“Turkey is isolated, it has differences with Europe and the USA, and is facing the dilemma whether it will remain oriented to the West or it will turn to the East”, Tsipras said.
As regards the possibility of France sending patrol ships in the region, Tsipras underlined that France – as well as other European member-states and the USA– have strategic interests in the region, which are linked with the energy plans for the exploration and exploitation of natural resources. It is clear that France will not allow Turkey to disrupt these energy plans, in which Total also participates, Tsipras said.
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Regarding the Cyprus problem, the Greek Prime Minister underlined that Greece promotes dialogue with Turkey, while stressing that the withdrawal of the occupation troops and the abolition of the anachronistic system of guarantees, are necessary preconditions for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
“Greece΄s foreign policy is based on the reinforcement of our country’s international position and we will not take a step backwards as regards the sovereign rights in the Aegean and in the Republic of Cyprus”, he noted.
Asked regarding the possibility of Turkey sending a drillship in the region around the island of Kastellorizo, Tsipras answered that Greece has competent Armed Forces and will never allow Turkey to approach the region. “Greece is a sovereign country and has all the necessary means to defend its sovereign rights”, he concluded.
CNA