The electrical interconnection of Greece – Cyprus, The functional relationship with Libya, Greece’s strategic relationship with Israel, the possibility of an immediate end to the war in Ukraine and Greece’s stance, the legal status of the Sinai Monastery, as well as the Greek -American relations They were at the center of the interview of Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in the Sunday Real News newspaper.
The interview began with the work of the Greece -Cyprus electric interconnection, but also whether the Minister considers to be possible to maintain calm waters in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
Mr Gerapetritis replied, inter alia, that ‘the The work of the Greece-Cyprus electric interconnection, which removes the energy isolation of Cyprus, will proceed. After all, we have proven – in the field, not in words – with maritime spatial planning, marine parks and the announcement of land south of Crete that when we are going to exercise our sovereign rights, in the national interest and national interests and With respect to international lawthe reactions are not overwhelmed by us. Obviously we expected them and we didn’t have the illusion that our neighbors would be sent from theories that have been unfounded for decades. Greece’s strong and active foreign policy stimulates reflexes. Greece, however, is not heterogeneous. With the initiatives we have taken over the last two years, we are going through the reaction stage in the field of active action, essentially improving our position in the Aegean and Eastern Europe, “the Foreign Minister also said, and also said that at the same time, the violations have been minimized and infringement. Turkey, without ignoring our substantive differences.
Mr Gerapetritis was placed on the information that the side of the hawfar is ready to validate the illegal Turkolibyan memorandum, stressing that communication channels have been restored with both sides, east and western Libya, as well as that our transactions are reinforced. “We are starting technical discussions on EEZ delineation. Irregular migratory flows from the southern corridor have decreased by 80%, ”said Gerapetritis.
“Any ratification of the 2019 Turkolibyan Memorandum, although it does not make it valid and substantial, because it lacks a completely legal basis, it would burden our bilateral relations. But that has not happened, “the Foreign Minister said and asked not to do serious issues, some, a digestible opposition.
Regarding the crisis in the Middle East, the minister has been asked to respond to the criticism of our country because of its strategic relationship with Israel, but also if our country recognition of an independent Palestinian state is being recognized.
Mr Gerapetritis emphasized: “We insist on the cessation of hostilities and the immediate and unconditional return of the hostages and we consistently support the solution of the two states as the only response to the Palestinian demand for an independent state and Israel for security in the region. There is no question of whether we will recognize a Palestinian state, but when this will happen in the context of the political process and within the UN. “
On the issue of resolving the Cyprus problem, after July’s discussions at the UN, Mr Gerapetritis said he was satisfied and proud of the event, atypical discussions, after seven years of immobility. “We remain committed to achieving a fair, sustainable and functional solution in the context of UN Security Council resolutions. The Cyprus issue is a top national priority and we will make every effort to reunite Megalonissos, “he said.
The next section of the interview was the war in Ukraine, for which the journalist called for the Greek Foreign Minister’s assessment for the possibility of ending it soon, amid intense diplomatic mobility of recent weeks.
Mr Gerapetritis replied that, although diplomatic mobility is noted, we are not yet on the point of talking about sustainable peace in the near future. “No debate may include Ukraine itself because, we must not forget that we are talking about an aggressive war that is a violation of international law and the statute of the United Nations. So, the aim of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the defense should be intention. “
And he concluded: “We will continue to support Ukraine in the international forums and be actively present with humanitarian and development assistance, but there is no intention of joining security guarantees.”
The Foreign Minister was also asked, on the occasion of the turmoil in the Sinai Monastery, the previous 24 hours, how close we are to an agreement to settle the monastery’s legal status, after meeting in Athens in early August with his Egyptian counterpart.
He replied by clarifying: “We have no involvement in the internal ecclesiastical issues of the monastery, which we closely watch. They are, of course, the risk of further complication of a case we are trying to manage, in cooperation with the Authorities of Egypt. The issue is complex, since in 15 centuries of operation of the monastery there has been no legal regulation to guarantee it, “Mr Gerapetritis stressed.
Finally, the minister was asked about Greek -American relations and made it clear that “our relationship with the United States has a strategic character that goes beyond persons. For this reason, our channels run for government and House at all levels. I was one of the first foreign ministers to meet with Mr Rubio in Washington, just weeks after taking up his duties and our relationship is excellent, ”the Greek Foreign Minister concluded.