Greek PM sends strong message to Türkiye

Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a strong message to Türkiye from Kastellorizo that Greece seeks dialogue and good neighbourly relations but will not accept threats, instructions or challenges to its sovereign rights.

"We threaten no one, but neither do we accept threats or demands from anyone. We are ready to defend our territorial integrity and our sovereign rights," the prime minister stressed, speaking at the official ceremony marking the 83rd anniversary of the Liberation of Kastellorizo.

He also stressed that, for Athens, dialogue is "a choice of self-confidence and faith in international law". As Mitsotakis noted, in Kastellorizo, Greece's borders coincide with Europe's borders, while the territory of Megisti is also European territory, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

At the same time, Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced new measures to support Kastellorizo and strengthen permanent settlement on the island. He also announced an annual salary incentive of € 5,000 for public-sector employees, members of the security forces and armed forces personnel serving on Megisti, as well as annual financial support of € 5,000 per household, increased by € 1,000 for each minor child. He also announced an additional subsidised ferry service per week, as well as plans to advance projects concerning the port, water supply, desalination and the island's infrastructure, together with the reconstruction of homes to provide free accommodation for doctors, teachers and other public officials.

"Our prudence must not be interpreted as weakness"

The Greek premier described the government's foreign and defence policy in terms of the three principles of "security, stability and consistency", stressing that the country is pursuing a "responsible, patriotic and realistic foreign policy", combined with the continuous strengthening of its deterrent capability.

"It is a twofold priority that today allows Greece to be recognised as a force for security and peace throughout the region," he said.

Addressing the neighbouring country, Mitsotakis reiterated that Greece seeks friendly relations, without tensions and provocations, with a commitment to international law and the law of the sea.

He nevertheless set a clear limit: "Our prudence must not be interpreted as weakness." He noted that the people of Kastellorizo know better than anyone what it means to live so close to a country "with which geography itself has brought us into coexistence". He also referred to the country's readiness to defend its territorial integrity and sovereign rights.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of dialogue, which he presented not as a sign of retreat but as a conscious choice by a country that, as he said, has self-confidence and faith in international law.

"Doors closed to revisionist aspirations"

The prime minister made particular reference to Kastellorizo's European dimension, stressing that at the easternmost point of Greek territory, Greece's borders coincide with Europe's borders.

"The message sent by Megisti has its own particular significance. Because its territory is also European territory," he said.

He described Kastellorizo as an emblematic location from which to express Greece's intention for "a future of peace", while keeping the doors closed to any revisionist aspirations and the path open to mutual respect and international legality.

Mitsotakis linked this position to the government's overall foreign and defence policy since 2019, noting that it constituted a "national line" which, he argued, had produced tangible results.

"This is the national line we have followed since 2019, leading to tangible results that strengthen our country in every field: defence, diplomacy, the economy and social cohesion," he said.

Photo Facebook/kyriakosmitsotakis