N. Dendias: We do not ‘paint’ on the maps of the Aegean, changing the borders depending on the fantasy of the moment

The message that “in the face of the escalation of the Turkish provocation we respond with prudence and calmness, choosing how and when we will respond”, sends the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias, emphasizing at the same time that “we show on the maps the signs of Turkish delinquency, we do not” paint ” maps of the Aegean, changing the borders according to the fantasy of the moment “. Moves that would be just graphic, if they were not so dangerous, stays the same.

In an interview with the newspaper Parapolitika, Nikos Dendias notes that the extreme rhetoric of the Turkish political leadership and the provocative attitudes in the Aegean, with overflights over Greek islands, reveal the intention to escalate Turkish revisionism.

On the contrary, it makes it clear that Greece proposes the right arguments, not by making impressive moves, does not engage in a sterile confrontation, strengthens ties bilaterally with strategic partners, such as the US and France, but also with others, while regularly informing the whole of the allies and partners for the unacceptable Turkish behavior and emphasizes “in all directions that we are ready to defend our national interests against any threat”.

In fact, the Foreign Minister reiterates that Greece is in favor of a constructive dialogue with Turkey, based on international law. “And we mean it. But we are not the ones who cut the minimal bridges of communication every day and make provocative moves.”

In addition, he reiterates that the Turkish side, with its recent stances, is exposed internationally, which has the effect of convincing even the most skeptical that Turkish aggression is a reality.

Asked about the criticisms of the Turkish side regarding the way Greece has treated and is behaving towards Muslims, Nikos Dendias answers that it is on the verge of irrationality to discuss the way Greece behaves in the Muslim monuments in its territory, if We consider that just two years ago, with its decision, Turkey changed the status of Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, turning it into a mosque, proud of it, despite international reactions and concerns. “Since then, cases of repeated vandalism of the monument have been recorded more and more often, and in fact by the Turkish experts themselves,” he added. At the same time, it makes it clear that Greece, in the context of a modern conception of culture, respects its cultural and religious heritage, from whatever historical period it comes from, preserves it and promotes it, recalling that last December it visited the Alevi religious center. in Northern Evros, known as the Tekes of Roussa, where he hosted a dinner together with the metropolitans of Thrace and the deposed muftis. As for the Muslim minority, he stressed that they are Greek citizens, who enjoy the same fundamental rights as other citizens in the country, “something for which no one can blame us.” The flourishing of the Muslim minority in Thrace, after all, in contrast to what has happened to the Greek minority in Istanbul, Imvros and Tenedos, is an indisputable witness, he notes.

Regarding his upcoming meeting in Athens with German Foreign Minister Analena Berbock, Nikos Dendias noted that the Prime Minister Mr. Mitsotakis informed the German Chancellor, at the recent meeting, in detail about the Turkish provocation as well as its aggression. neighboring country, announces that it intends to make these issues clear to its German counterpart. “And of course we expect Germany, as well as all of our European partners, to show the necessary solidarity with both Greece and Cyprus,” he said. He also reminded that Greece has expressed its support and solidarity with its partners when they receive external threats, adding that “it is a fact that the public positions of some of them do not satisfy us enough” and that it is clear that they can not put in the same basket perpetrator and victim. Referring to the recent statements of the German government spokesman, he points out that the continuous contacts are yielding results, while acknowledging that the change of attitude of the partners can not take place overnight and attaches particular importance to the cultivation of relations and on a personal level.

Asked about the planning regarding the possible expansion of the coastal zone in the Cretan or Aegean Sea, Nikos Dendias reiterates that Greece has the inalienable right to extend its territorial waters anywhere and anytime to 12 nautical miles, confirming for another emphasizes that respect for international law and international law is an inviolable principle for our country, and emphasizes that our country fully exercises its rights with the aim of strengthening its security and consolidating cooperation in the wider region.

Asked when the joint agreement with Albania for an appeal to the International Court of Justice in The Hague on the delimitation of the EEZ will be signed, the Foreign Minister said that during his recent visit to Tirana he discussed with the Albanian side “how to speed up the legal process”. “so that we can file, as soon as possible, the co-promise in the International Court of Justice, closing a pending year”. At the same time, as he underlines, “we give a clear example to all the states of the wider region on how to resolve differences between states. Always, on the basis of International Law and especially the Law of the Sea.” In this context, he welcomes the recent Italy-Croatia agreement, which was based exclusively on the International Law of the Sea, he points out. Also answering a question about how he views the fact that his Albanian counterpart suddenly raised the issue of “Tsamid property”, the Foreign Minister reiterated the firm position of Greek foreign policy that Greece discusses only existing issues, not non-existent issues. “And this, as we all know, does not only apply to our relations with Albania, but also with other neighboring countries,” he added.

Asked if there is any conciliation with the opposition on major foreign policy issues at the moment, the Foreign Minister replied that he wants to believe that there is room. “This is, after all, the reason why in the almost three years that I have been serving as Foreign Minister, I have been constantly seeking dialogue with the opposition parties. I am always ready to inform them about any issue within the ministry’s competence, to discuss with them, to listen “Their thoughts, concerns and suggestions. Because, in the final analysis, this is dictated by the nature of the serious challenges we face.”

Finally, regarding the issue of the occupation of two ships with a Greek flag by the Iranian authorities, Nikos Dendias emphasizes that this is a clear violation of international law and international rules of safe navigation, which endangers the smooth operation of international trade, stating that Greece has taken all the necessary steps at the diplomatic level. “For us, at the moment, our primary concern is to ensure the health, safety and immediate return of crews to Greece and we are working on this in close cooperation and coordination with my Cypriot counterpart, Mr. Kasoulidis, but also with the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy “concludes.