“The government defends national interests and in a way quietly our foreign policy, without shouting, producing results.”
Government announcements on maritime spatial planning (MSS) and Greek foreign policy was mentioned in an interview with ERT’s first program by the Deputy Minister of Prime Minister Thanasis Kontogeorgis.
As he noted from the outset, yesterday was “an important day” for two reasons: on the one hand, for the first time human activities are reflected in the maritime area (fish farming, fishing, tourism, port transport, etc.), but “always in the light of environmental protection. On the other hand, this is the first time that the ultimate potential influence of the Greek continental shelf has been reflected, “which will be a” part of the European acquis “, he said. In other words, “within the context of international law, Greek positions are described,” the Deputy Minister underlined under the Prime Minister.
To the question of why there are four sections of marine spatial planning, he explained that it incorporates agreements with Italy and Egypt, so the modules are distinct. On Wednesday, he also added the process of processing by the Council of State, which had to do with the demarcation of the exclusive economic zone with Italy.
Asked if Ankara had been informed of the Greek movement, the Deputy Minister under the Prime Minister said that “the events that influence the publication of the map, namely the European Court of Justice and the deadlines for compliance with the European directive” were known. And placed on the Greek -Turkish dialogue, he said that “things are complex”, “the particularities of the relationships” is also known. But he added, “if Turkey considers it has another approach to the maps, the road is known: recognition of the jurisdiction of the international court.”
In conclusion, “the Greek -Turkish dialogue is something we believe and invest, I think and I think it applies on the other hand.” After all, “we should not stop discussing because of the difference we have,” Mr Kontogeorgis said. At this point he even said that “we are seeking calm waters in the Aegean but at the same time, as we have shown in all the tones and with the actions that have been taken – yesterday we had KYSEA and the 12 -year plan was approved – we will ensure that these waters are safe at the same time”.
The marine spatial planning is an independent issue from the cable ponation, then explained, after all, the location of an area for an investigation (with a Navtex edition, etc.) lasts several months, argued, at the same time reminding that “a few days ago there was a few days ago.”
In the interview of the Deputy Minister under the Prime Minister, “the government defends national interests” and “in a way quietly our foreign policy, without shouting, producing results.” In addition, “foreign policy is engraved by the Prime Minister, by KYSEA, so the decisions are collective.” “The government has been steadily over the last six years has strengthened the voice of the country and this appears in practice,” it strengthens, “its position (country) with careful steps in the wider geopolitical environment,” he concluded.