N. Dendias: Turkish revisionism constantly invents new theories

“Turkish revisionism is constantly inventing new theories”, underlines the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, in an interview with the “Kathimerini” newspaper.

“Positions which were initially presented as extreme and cowardly, such as the Blue Homeland, the connection of the demilitarization of the islands with their sovereignty, are gradually becoming part of the official doctrine of the Turkish state,” says the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Regarding the “Bakhceli map”, he notes that “under other circumstances, a similar event would be characterized as graphic or gaudy. However, in the context of the climate that tends to prevail, it becomes alarming and dangerous, especially, coming from a government partner.” .

As he emphasizes, these moves are part of the escalation of nationalist rhetoric in the neighborhood, which is not limited to a section of government circles, but also appears to be embraced by part of the opposition.

“We estimate that this rhetoric is partly intertwined with the looming polarization inside Turkey, in view of the elections in 2023”, he emphasizes and adds that “those who believe that the problem in Greece-Turkey relations is the President of the neighboring country and that if leave the foreground, the challenges will disappear, as if by magic, wander.”

“The rise of nationalism now risks spreading to Turkish society, a large part of which was friendly to our country.” A change that, as he notes, is also reflected in the surveys, but he believes that a large part of Turkish society still looks forward to a European future. “However, under the current circumstances, there is no room for substantial improvement in bilateral relations,” he adds. “I hope that after the elections in Turkey, regardless of the election result, conditions will prevail, which could allow a gradual improvement of relations”, he emphasizes.

However, he points out that even our most skeptical allies and partners recognize the absurdity and inadmissibility of Turkish claims, something he finds every time he shows the disputed map to his counterparts, “who realize the complete absurdity of the Turkish position”.

“Turkish provocation exceeds not only the rules of International Law, but also the very limits of logic”, he points out, to add that until June 30, the Turkish air force carried out 3954 violations and 136 overflights over Greek territory.

Greece, as the foreign minister points out, sincerely wishes to have open channels of communication with Ankara and considers that a solution exists and is possible. “However, in order to achieve this solution, Turkey must stop violating fundamental rules of International Law and the Law of the Sea”, he underlines. “We are not asking for something unrealistic. We are asking Turkey to implement the principles and values ​​that must be respected by all States that have signed the UN Charter, the NATO Treaty and envision joining the EU.”

Asked about the Cyprus problem, Mr. Dendias reiterates that Greece, in coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, is working to find a fair, functional and sustainable solution, which can only be a bi-communal bizonal federation, within the framework defined by the relevant decisions of the United Nations Security Council.

“Unfortunately, the unacceptable and persistent claims of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership about a “two-state solution”, as well as the illegal actions in Varosia, move completely outside the framework of the solution. They leave no room for optimism for the restart of a substantial and reliable negotiation process”.

We do not discount the principles on which we have built our policy

Referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Dendias emphasizes that it has overturned the facts of the post-Cold War world in Europe, but also more widely.

“Unfortunately, we are facing the creation of a new ‘iron curtain’, which divides Europe, to allow me to paraphrase Winston Churchill’s well-known saying”, with the difference that “it is not an ideological division, but a division principles and values”. “Greece’s position was and remains clear. We do not discount the principles on which we have built our policy”, underlines Mr. Dendias and adds that all EU member states do the same.

“We recognize that there is a heavy price for this policy. But the price we would pay would be much heavier if we had not taken this principled stance,” he emphasizes. He mentions that he has made great efforts to improve bilateral relations with Russia. “Unfortunately, however, they have been breached, but through no fault of our own.”

Greece, as he reminds, “has always supported Russia’s participation in a “Common European home”. We believe that Russia should be a part and member of the European security architecture. But, respecting the fundamental rules, which is not the case today”. He points out that Greece has traditional historical, cultural and religious ties with Russia, which is the homeland of world-class writers, poets and composers.

Mr. Dendias also expresses Greece’s special satisfaction for the fact that the first intergovernmental conference with Albania and North Macedonia took place and stated that “the European perspective of the Western Balkans, especially in an unstable environment, is the only way to peace , security and stability”. He adds that Greece will continue to be their helper on a political and technical level, within the framework of the known sectarianism.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also refers to the recent exercise in Souda with the participation of the American F-35, where for the first time a squadron of the aircraft in question was deployed to another base and for the first time an exercise with live fire took place in Europe. “These elements in themselves, semiotically, underline the strategic depth of the relations between Greece and the USA”, he emphasizes.

In particular, Alexandroupoli is an important new strategic option. An energy hub, but also a force transfer station to strengthen the security of NATO’s eastern wing. Souda has always been a strategic choice. “These locations strengthen the deterrent ability to resist any revisionism that arises in the region,” he says.

Finally, taking stock of the three years in the position of Foreign Minister, Mr. Dendias states that he has visited 62 countries, made 1123 international contacts and signed 215 international agreements, with the aim of promoting the country internationally, upgrading the role her, the expansion of alliances and her shielding from any threat.

This week the foreign ministers from Gabon and Germany are coming to Athens, while Mr. Dendias will go to Cyprus and Vietnam and Cambodia will follow.

“The basic principles of Greek foreign policy remain stable. Our policy is not determined by the vacillations of Turkish foreign, but also internal, policy”, he underlines.

“We are an EU member state and we are moving with confidence. We are expanding our horizons and developing alliances and partnerships with countries that share the same values”, he points out and concludes: “Greece is considered a reliable pillar of stability and security in the region”.

Source: AMPE