Arguing that extending territorial waters to 12 miles is a requirement of international law, Mitsotakis said, "The right to extend up to 12 miles is guaranteed by international law.
This is something that cannot be questioned legally, and Greece can implement this the moment it decides that the appropriate conditions have been met. I will not say anything more than that," he said.
Responding to a question about whether a meeting is planned with AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Greek Prime Minister said, "A meeting with Mr. Erdoğan is not planned. But it could be arranged even at the last minute."
Stating that there has been a hardening in Turkey's rhetoric in recent months, Mitsotakis expressed that a distinction should be made between comments in the Turkish media and official statements by authorities, adding, "It is true that there has been a relative deterioration in the rhetoric of what we have heard from Turkey in recent months. However, we must not forget that many of the views Turkey is expressing now have been voiced in the past as well."
"WE ARE NEIGHBORS WITH TURKEY, THIS WILL NEVER CHANGE"
Drawing attention to the geographical proximity between the two countries and stating that the Athens Declaration signed in 2023 was useful for relations, Mitsotakis said, "We are neighbors with Turkey. This will never change. Geography is fixed and inevitable, and our relations must always be determined by this parameter. We desire good relations with Turkey. Communication channels are institutionalized, they remain open, and they should remain so," he stated.
The presence of Greek armed elements during Mitsotakis's visit to the island of Kastellorizo, which has a demilitarized status under the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty, had previously drawn a reaction from Turkey.
In a statement made by the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), it was stated that displaying military elements on the island does not contribute to peace and stability.
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) also declared in a decision taken on June 8, 1995, that Greece extending its territorial waters in the Aegean beyond 6 miles would harm Turkey's vital interests, and authorized the government to take all kinds of measures, including military ones, declaring this situation a casus belli (cause for war).
News Source: 12punto
