The Greece-Cyprus power interconnection is a project of major importance for ending Cyprus’s energy isolation, says Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in an interview with “To Vima tis Kyriakis.” He assures that Athens and Nicosia will do whatever is necessary to ensure its full and unimpeded implementation.
The Foreign Minister also sends a clear message to Turkey that Greece seeks peace and dialogue, but from a position of strength and without any compromise on its sovereign rights. At the same time, he rejects criticism of a “soft” policy toward Ankara and emphasizes that “the Greece of passive diplomatic inaction is gone forever.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Mr. Gerapetritis points out that “calm waters” in Greek-Turkish relations are not an end in themselves, but a tool for advancing national objectives. As he notes, the de-escalation of recent years has allowed Greece to limit crises, strengthen its economy, decisively modernize its Armed Forces, and expand its diplomatic footprint.
He specifically mentions the Rafales, the upgraded F-16s, the Belharra frigates, and the upcoming F-35s, emphasizing that the country is now in a clearly stronger position in the air and at sea. At the same time, he emphasizes that Greece has developed strategic relationships with the U.S., France, Israel, Egypt, India, and the Gulf states.
Regarding the Athens Declaration, he clarifies that it remains in effect, as it established a structured dialogue with Turkey and a permanent channel for de-escalation. It emphasizes, however, that communication does not imply a abandonment of Greek positions and recalls that each side maintains its legal positions in full.
He is particularly critical of recent Turkish actions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. He describes the Turkish marine parks as “illegal” and emphasizes that they have no legal effect, as they extend beyond Turkish territorial waters into unmarked international waters of the Greek continental shelf.
“Any attempt to infringe upon our sovereign rights will be met with every appropriate means,” he stresses, adding that, despite Athens’ commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, “we are fully prepared for any scenario.”
Regarding Maritime Spatial Planning and the Greek marine parks in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, the Foreign Minister notes that these are measures that effectively enshrine Greece’s positions in accordance with international law. At the same time, he recalls the agreements on the delimitation of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) with Italy and Egypt, the extension of territorial waters in the Ionian Sea, and hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete.
Regarding the possibility of extending territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, he is unequivocal: this is an inalienable right of Greece, which can be exercised unilaterally “at a time and in a manner to be chosen by the Greek State.”
Regarding relations with Israel, he rejects the view that Athens is “overinvesting” in this strategic partnership, emphasizing that Greek foreign policy is multifaceted and maintains open channels of communication with both Israel and the Arab world.
In closing, Mr. Gerapetritis rejects the criticism that the “calm waters” policy has led to concessions. “Yes, we want peace. But we want it from a position of strength—with self-confidence and without fear,” he states, summarizing the government’s strategy toward Turkey.
Source: CNA
