The visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Athens was undoubtedly a highly significant visit that sent strong messages and is part of U.S. and Greece, within the framework of the 6th Strategic Dialogue, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis said on Thursday.
Speaking after President Christodoulides briefed the three non-parliamentary parties—EDEK, DIPA, and the Greens—on the Cyprus issue, Konstantinos Letympiotis was asked about Rubio’s meetings in Athens yesterday and said that there were strong indications that make it easy “we can decipher the messages he wants to send regarding the importance of the Cyprus – Greece – Israel, and the importance that the U.S. attaches more broadly to the energy role that our region—the eastern Mediterranean— Cyprus, and Greece in this particular case.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
He also noted, based on Rubio’s statements, the emphasis placed on the importance of diplomacy and the significance of the GSI power interconnection project. The U.S., he said, is an important partner with whom the Republic of Cyprus has intensified its contacts in recent years and, at the same time, one of the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council. Their position on the Cyprus issue is well-stated and consistent, he noted, referring to the recent message from the U.S. Secretary of State on the occasion of the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus.
When asked whether the government had received any additional information, Mr. Letympiotis said that President Christodoulides may speak with the Greek Prime Minister on Thursday. He also noted that a European Council summit is scheduled for next week, where Mr. Christodoulides and Mr. Mitsotakis will meet, as well as a meeting of the Council of Ministers involving the two foreign ministersX.
When asked whether the government had requested that anything be conveyed to Mr. Roumios regarding the Cyprus issue and energy matters, Mr. Letympiotis said that the Cyprus issue is always at the top of the agenda and that on this matter, the policies of Athens and Nicosia are fully aligned. He continued by saying that U.S. support and the strengthening of efforts on the Cyprus issue are of paramount importance.
On energy matters, he also referred to the recent 3+1 Summit in Houston, attended by the energy ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the U.S., as well as the presence of American giants in Cyprus’s EEZ, and projects of mutual interest such as the Cyprus–Greece electricity interconnection and others.
Asked to comment on reports in the Greek media, prompted in part by yesterday’s meeting between the leaders of Cyprus, Greece, and France regarding a framework for France to brief Turkey on the GSI, the Spokesperson stated that the Republic of Cyprus is a partner in the plans currently being considered by the French and Greek governments and the implementing agency. “Always with respect for our sovereign rights. And this is something that was never even up for negotiation.” The plans are proceeding as outlined, he continued.
When asked whether Turkey would be informed, the Spokesperson said he could not comment on media reports. The plan, he noted, will proceed in accordance with international law, the law of the sea, and the principles of respect for state sovereignty.
Oruc Reis
The Government Spokesperson spoke of Turkey’s disregard for international law when asked to comment on Turkey’s new NAVTEX regarding the Oruç Reis. It is international law that sets the boundaries not only in the eastern Mediterranean but throughout the world, he added, and “based on this, we will continue to move forward, and based on this, we will continue to assert what is self-evident.”
As a country and as a state, he added, in a region full of challenges, we have proven time and again—and even more so over the past three years—the stabilizing role we can play with all neighboring states in the region except Turkey “due to its disruptive actions and provocative behavior.”
Source: CNA
