President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias: “I would like to say that Turkey should know that Greece is not dissuaded. Turkey cannot create tension by violating Greek airspace or by flying over the Greek islands in ways that do not abide by the International Treaties.
Despite similar promises made by the Prime Minister of Turkey time and again, promises he didn’t keep, it is better to enter an era of stable and good neighborly relations. This is what Greece always sought to do –especially myself. I made this point when I was Foreign Minister, by signing the [Papoulias-Yilmaz] Protocol with Mr. Yilmaz.
But Turkey is not keeping its promises and I don’t understand why. Turkey’s behavior benefits no-one, especially Turkey herself, at a time when in fact they wish to proceed with their EU accession.
Moreover, given this opportunity –and that’s what we were talking about with the Minister earlier- I would like to say that it is incomprehensible, when such a catastrophe in Japan is taking place, a catastrophe that has shocked everyone, for Turkey to wish to build its own nuclear plant over a seismic area. This matter concerns Greece of course, because that area is across the island of Rodos. Mr Erdogan must re-think his position because Europe will have to intervene in order to avoid a disaster in our own back yard”.
Evangelos Venizelos, Minister of National Defence: The latest decision by the Security Council creates new conditions for Libya and for the wider North African region. Greece, as it is obligated to do, will totally respect and implement the Security Council Resolution. Greece will move within the framework of International Organizations and in accordance to its regional obligations. Therefore, we will move within the framework of NATO and the EU. Greece’s forces are, in any case, present -for days now- in the region in order to support operations of a humanitarian nature. And now, Greece will contribute in its own capacity towards reaching, as soon as possible, a diplomatic–if possible-, a political, solution to end this massacre that has been taking place against unarmed civilians, to restore order, to see an independent Libya, nationally sovereign and intact. A solution that, on the other hand, meets international accepted standards on what Democracy means, on what rule of law means.
This morning during my meeting with the Foreign Minster, we have had the opportunity to plan the next steps that Greece will take, in consultation with the Prime Minister. Early this afternoon the Government Council on Foreign and Defence Policy (KYSEA) will convene in order to make our final decisions. Also, during the informal cabinet meeting that will take place this evening, the Foreign Minister and I will brief [the other cabinet members] about the latest developments, so that Greece’s national position is fully understood. Of course, the other political parties will be informed on those developments [as well]”.
