“The government with work, plan and methodicality protects the national interest in practice and not theoretically,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Tasos Hatzivasiliouto SKAI on the morning of Good Thursday, referring to the announcements made by the Greek government for Marine spatial planning.
Specifically, as he commented, “Greece is being diplomatically strengthened, geopolitically and sets the framework for protecting its marine natural wealth” and added that it was a “move of the future through the settlement of pending”. He then emphasized that our country is coming to present maps – in compliance with the European Directive – which reflects the ultimate limits of the Greek continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. “National positions are now acquiring a European dimension, so the country is creating a positive European acquis and is not turning against any third party,” Mr Hadjivasiliou said.
Subsequently, the Deputy Foreign Minister, in response to a question, described the Turkish government’s reaction. “Everyone knew what the Greek positions were – both in Turkey and the European Union – and that we have drawn them under international law and conditions. And everyone knew that there was a European decision that obliges us by the end of April to present the maritime spatial planning. Therefore, no one was surprised in Athens by the Turkish reaction, “he said.
Staying on the subject, he made it clear that “the Turkish positions, which are bullied, are also known and we are opposed every time, at every opportunity at the international fora.” Mr. Hadjivasiliou stressed that there is no other way between Greece and Turkey. “Whether the two countries that have adjacent and relevant coasts are discussing or resorting to international jurisdiction. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis also said it yesterday. Let Turkey come to discuss and if we can’t find them, let’s agree to go to The Hague. “
In closing, the Deputy Foreign Minister noted that this map reflects the Greek position on the full influence of both our islands and mainland Greece. “Enough with the mourning of some. The work that was done was not simple, we are the country with the largest coastline in Europe and we have thousands of islands, which requires attention, study and prudence. On the other hand, accusing the New Democracy government of allegedly ‘being’ foreign policy, as PASOK said is a shame. Especially when they say it, who never dared to discuss 12 nautical miles in the Ionian Sea, as the government implemented a few years ago, “he said.