“Ladies and gentlemen,

I participated here, today, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Katrougalos, the Joint Meeting of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers, as well as the Working Meeting of the EU Defence Ministers. We discussed matters, we exchanged views and we made decisions on the EU Defence and Security issues, like the cooperation with G5 Sahel countries, the hybrid threats, the progress made regarding the implementation of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) programme, as well as our future actions regarding the European Defence Agency.

I also met and discussed with many of my counterparts, on matters of mutual interest. I pointed out Turkey’s constant provocative behaviour and problematic stance regarding the Aegean to everyone, informing first of all the EU High Representative, Ms. Mogherini.

Greece’s firm policy is to handle any issue with its neighbours in good faith and in accordance with the International Law and the current conditions.

Furthermore, I pointed out Turkey’s recent decision to conduct illegal drilling activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkey must cease its illegal actions, it must respect Cyprus’ rights in the said maritime zone and it must not be involved in further one-sided actions that violate the International Law and undermine stability and welfare in the region.

I pointed out that Greece supports Cyprus’ composed way of handling the matter. I also expressed our satisfaction regarding the fact that the EU and the international community clearly supported Cyprus’ sovereign rights with regard to hydrocarbon exploitation in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

I also pointed out that Turkey’s provocative behaviour constitutes a European matter, concerning the entire European Union. So, in a spirit of solidarity, the EU must keep a uniform stance, when the sovereign rights of an EU member state are questioned and the provisions of the international law are violated in its territory.

Thank you’.

JOURNALIST’S QUESTION: Minister, did you receive an answer regarding all these matters?

E. APOSTOLAKIS: The answer is that everyone supports Cyprus’ stance and that we will take all possible measures so as to stop this violation.

JOURNALIST’S QUESTION: We have all witnessed, of course, Turkey still being provocative, all the more so with the maps that your counterpart, Mr. Hulusi Akar, presented once more, practically eliminating Kastelorizo and all the rights deriving from the Greek continental shelf. It seems that Turkey, despite its rhetoric conviction of its actions, listens to nothing and does not retreat.

E. APOSTOLAKIS: What we seek is that Turkey joins the international community, respects the International Law and the treaties, so that we can find a solution and achieve a balance, and especially peace, in the region.

JOURNALIST’S QUESTION: Has anyone raised the issue of taking measures against Turkey? Was the issue at all discussed during the Council?

E. APOSTOLAKIS: It was discussed that some actions should be taken, but nothing specific yet. It depends on what will follow.

JOURNALIST’S QUESTION: Did you ask for this, Minister? Did you ask for measures to be taken at a second phase?

E. APOSTOLAKIS: I certainly asked for all possible measures, so that an end will be put to such activity.