The MEP and Member of the European Parliament’s Security and Defense Committee today sent a letter sent today. Nicolas Farantouris to Vice President of the Italian Government and Foreign Minister Antonio Tayyani Following on the recent Trilateral Italian-Turkey-Libya in Istanbul.
Farantouris and Tayyani had recently met in Taormina, Sicily on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Messina Conference that led to the establishment of the EU. As Nicolas Farantouris points out in his letter, “in Triennani Italy -Turkey -Livyi”. “Greece and Italy have common strategic challenges. If the EU wants to be a geopolitical player rather than a spectator, he must act with unity and consistency. Unilateral actions in the end damage everyone, ”says the Greek MEP.
In his statements on social media, Nicolas Farantouris stresses that: “Turkey is trying to restore the illegal memorandum with Libya for marine zones. This is a direct threat to Greek and European interests. His implicit acceptance by partners, such as Italy, would constitute a dangerous and anti -ardological precedent. “
“I asked friend Antonio, a former President of the European Parliament and current Foreign Minister of Italy, to coordinate with Greece, Cyprus and Egypt in subsequent rounds of discussions. Only with the participation of all those involved can we talk about sustainable solutions in the Eastern Mediterranean, “says the MEP and professor of European law and concludes” Greece cannot be a spectator. It is a force of international legality and stability in the region. In Europe of instability, some have to speak clearly. We do it with responsibility as Greeks, but also as Europeans. “
The whole letter Farantouri:
Excellent Minister / Dear Antonio,
I address in a spirit of fellowship and mutual respect, which is also derived from our term in the European Parliament and our common anxiety about the cohesion and strategic course of the European Union.
Our meeting was given great joy in Taormina last June, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Messina Conference, a symbolic moment for those of us who remain committed to the European ideal. Our discussion of the constant legacy of the European venture was timely and essential. I remember with great purity of the thoughts we shared: “There are no small and large countries in Europe. There are small and those who have not yet realized that they are small in the world sphere. But we can all be great, powerful and influential, catalyst for developments and a factor of stability, peace, security and prosperity for our peoples and the world. ” In this context, Virgil’s classic mind offers us a timeless message: e pluribus unum – of many, En.
As a member of the Committee on Security and Defense and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament and addressing you not only with your status as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, but also as a former President of our Parliament and a long -standing defender of the European vision, I know that we are still in charge. With this fellow feeling of duty, I would like to express my concern about the recent trilateral meeting in Constantinople, between Italy, Turkey and the Libyan national unity government.
Although any diplomatic initiative aimed at degrading tensions and promote dialogue in the region is, in principle, welcome, the exclusion of Greece, a NATO member state and the EU, directly influenced by the issues under discussion, raises questions about the cohesion. If, as stated, the purpose of the meeting was to search for “common approaches” in areas such as immigration and energy cooperation, the absence of Greece, as directly involved and actively present in both areas, can only be described as unfortunate and potentially undermining.
Greece is not only geographically at the center of these issues, but also politically. From the migratory flows to the Mediterranean to the energy routes of the Eastern Mediterranean, decisions taken in the absence of Greece cannot be considered viable, fair or strategically sufficient.
Particular concern is being raised by the debate on the “Turkish Memorandum” on the demarcation of marine zones; a text that has been condemned not only by Greece but also by the institutions of the European Union itself as a blatant violation of international law and in particular. This Memorandum attempts to impose “jurisdiction” in areas where Turkey has no legal basis, fully ignoring the presence of Greek islands such as Crete. Its implementation would lead to de facto cancellation of Greek rights to access the continental shelf and EEZs of the country, preventing any legal energy activity and development perspective. In short, it constitutes an immediate challenge of Greek sovereign rights and thus Europeans.
The-even implied or indirect-acceptance of such arrangements by any EU Member State would create a dangerous precedent, as it would be perceived as tolerance to a revisionist practice that undermines not only international legitimacy but also its credibility in its own union. From a strategic point of view, this would be the message that “bilateral agreements” can prevail over multilateral cooperation and principles of international law.
I will speak with the sincerity that our common European mission offers us. Turkey’s “neo-Ottoman” regional strategy, with a military presence in Libya, Syria and Iraq, with destabilizing involvement in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the ongoing occupation of northern Cyprus and with an explicit threat against Greece in the event of its laws. European Union.
On the contrary, Italy and Greece share not only common waters, but a whole cultural model. We are heirs of a common historical identity and partners in the demands of the responsibility of the European South. When mass immigration, security issues and the competition of the Great Powers are intersecting in our area, there is no room for misunderstandings or unilateral initiatives.
In this context, I suggest that future consultations on the Eastern Mediterranean include all directly concerned Member States, including Greece, Cyprus and beyond, where it is appropriate, Egypt. Only a truly participatory framework can deliver sustainable results and ensure Europe’s long -term interests.
Allow me to recognize your timeless commitment to the European venture and express my confidence that you will approach this issue with the responsibility and seriousness of your office and your long European course. I remain at your disposal for any further dialogue and I am sure that our countries will continue to march together: in unity, in law, in mutual trust.
With appreciation,
Professor Nikolas Farantouris
Member of the European Parliament. “