M. Varvitsiotis for Erdogan statements: Provocative, unhistorical, violate common sense

Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis was asked to comment on Erdogan’s statements, which again raised the issue of demilitarization of the Greek islands, in an interview today on Alpha Radio 989.

Specifically, Mr. Varvitsiotis stated that these statements are not only provocative, but also that they are untold and violate common sense. As he explained, Greece is essentially arming itself, not to attack itself, but to prevent Turkish aggression. “We are not arming ourselves to attack Turkey, but to defend ourselves against Turkey,” he said.

Regarding the Turkish allegations about the demilitarization of the Greek islands, he stressed that the best thing for Turkey to do is to abolish its amphibious fleet and stop provoking Greece on a daily basis.

Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Mr. Varvitsiotis noted that both Greece and Europe are committed to the peaceful settlement and diplomatic settlement of this dispute, while he pointed out that no one will win from any military conflict in Ukraine. “Unfortunately, Europe did not seem to be represented at the negotiating table, despite the very active participation of France and Germany,” he added.