Greek Foreign Minister Sets Firm Red Lines Ahead of Key Meeting with Turkish Counterpart

07:32 23/10/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Ahead of a pivotal meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Athens, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis firmly outlined Greece's stance on its disputes with Turkey, emphasizing that there is no middle ground on key issues.

Speaking during a closed-door briefing with members of the Standing

Committee on National Defense and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gerapetritis stressed that the only matters up for discussion are the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf, both to be resolved under international law.

“There is no middle path. We have one position, and Turkey has the opposite. Someone will have to concede, and it won’t be Greece. If not, the dialogue ends there,” Mr. Gerapetritis reportedly told MPs, underscoring that Greece would not compromise on its national interests in these talks.

The briefing, which lasted nearly three hours, also touched on the recent momentum regarding the Cyprus issue. Mr. Gerapetritis noted that, when he first took office, the Cyprus problem was not on the United Nations' agenda, but there is now renewed focus on the matter.

During the discussion, other topics surfaced, including the special zoning framework for tourism. Mr. Gerapetritis suggested reconsidering the prohibition of economic activity on small islets and rocky outcrops.

New Democracy MPs present expressed satisfaction with the exchange, praising the level of discussion. Dora Bakoyannis, Chair of the Committee, concluded the session by voicing her pride in Greece’s foreign policy, a statement that drew applause from attendees.

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