There are six basic principles for rapprochement with Turkey, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said at a conference in Athens on Tuesday.
First, he said, geography brought the two countries into close proximity, and that’s what “we can’t change and we have to deal with it” That’s why “We must discuss issues with our neighbors.”
The second principle is international law, he added, noting: “If you selectively use international law when international disputes arise, then at some point you will find yourself confronted with your own history, But If you are consistent in applying international law, sooner or later you will be acquitted.”
Issues related to national sovereignty are off the agenda, he noted as the third principle, “because issues relating to national sovereignty will never be discussed, namely issues related to the unilateral decision of Greece.”
“We must have decompression safety valves so that every time disagreements arise, they do not lead to tension and/or crisis,” – he noted as the fourth principle, adding: “I believe we have largely achieved this, So what, maybe sometimes two ministers need to talk more, even if it concerns questions of little policy or importance.”
In fifth place is the fact that “the long period of calm that we have been experiencing for about ten months is in itself a conquest. It is something that was not taken for granted.”
Finally, Gerapetritis emphasized that, in his opinion, “Peace and prosperity are promoted not by inaction, but by composure and courage in decisions made.”
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