The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clear response to Turkey’s latest allegations regarding the defensive fortifications of the Greek islands, rejecting claims about Greece’s “instrumentalization” and reminding Ankara that it continues to maintain the threat of war—the casus belli—in the event that Athens exercises its legitimate sovereign right.
Responding to a reporter’s question regarding yesterday’s statements by the Turkish foreign minister, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Panagiotis Giannakoulias emphasized that Greece shapes its foreign policy “sovereignly and independently” and is not dictated to by others.
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At the same time, he categorically rejected allegations that Greece is being used to destabilize the region, noting that “they have no basis in reality.” As he emphasized, the country has demonstrated in practice that it works consistently toward regional and international peace and stability and poses no threat to anyone.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson made special mention of the issue of the defense of the Greek islands, clarifying that Greece, like any other country, ensures the defense and security of its entire territory.
In the same context, he once again rejected Turkey’s claims regarding demilitarization, noting that Ankara’s “repeated unilateral allegations” by Ankara regarding the Greek islands in the Aegean lack any legal basis in international law and have repeatedly been rejected in their entirety by the Greek side.
Mr. Giannakoulias further pointed out that the status of the Greek islands in the Eastern Aegean is clearly defined by existing international treaties and emphasized Greece’s right, as a sovereign state, to take all necessary measures to defend its territory.
In fact, Athens refutes Turkey’s argument regarding a “threat,” referring directly to the casus belli that remains in effect.
“Characterizing the defensive fortifications of Greek territory as a ‘threat’ is not only unfounded but also paradoxical, given that, in violation of international law, Turkey continues to maintain a threat of war (casus belli) against Greece in the event that Greece exercises its legitimate sovereign right,” he noted.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made it finally, made it clear that Athens continues to seek dialogue and good-neighborly relations with Turkey, while setting respect for international law as an essential prerequisite.
“Greece remains committed to good-neighborly relations and dialogue, which, however, require full respect for international law and the refraining from threats and baseless claims,” concluded the Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
Source: APE-MPE
