“Exercising our rights derived from our national sovereignty is not the subject of negotiation with any third country,” said Serres and the Secretary of International Relations of the New Democracy, Mr. Tasos Hatzivasiliou Speaking on Tuesday morning to ERT.
Mr. Hadjivasiliou described her Prime Minister’s announcement for marine parks as’the most important decision to protect the environment in Greece in recent decades“, Stressing that” it makes the country pioneer in the issue of maritime protection throughout the Mediterranean. “
As he said, this is a double target move: the environmental shielding of sea and the practical exercise of rights.
Responding to the Turkish reaction, the Serres MP emphasized: “Athens is not in the process of discussing non -existent issues, such as the supposedly graying of the Aegean.”
As he noted, the Turkey It puts forward non -existent allegations of semi -closed or closed seas, ignoring the fact that ‘The legal status in the Aegean is absolutely clear“And is clearly defined by international treaties. He added that the government is practicing foreign policy and not with patriotic crowns.
In the same vein, Mr. Hadjivasiliou reminded that the government’s foreign policy Mitsotakis It is characterized by a strategic consistency and determination, bringing specific examples: her Extension of territorial waters to the Ionian, her EEZ delineation with Italy and Egypt, marine spatial planning ongoing.
«This government is moving forward with its International law“, He noted.
He then reiterated that ‘Greece is consistently in favor of dialogue with Ankara»For the only difference, the defining EEZ and continental shelf, exclusively in international law.
Referring to the essence of the Turkish reaction, he observed: ‘The fact that Ankara issued a statement following the Greek decision on marine parksit is the best answer to those who in Greece speak of allegedly outrageous foreign policy. ”
He added: “Every country protects its environment and Greece today is doing very well, protects its marine wealth.”
At the same time, he said that Turkey could do the same, if it wishes, “in Imbros and Tenedos, on the coast of Asia Minor, in the Black Sea, in Propontis, anywhere in its maritime areas.”
Finally, regarding the case of OPECEPEMr Hatzivasiliou reiterated that he had resigned from the post of Deputy Foreign Minister for reasons of drunkenness and because of the proximity to the prime minister.