Karamanlis criticizes government: "No concessions to Türkiye"
Former Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis criticized the government over its approach to Türkiye, emphasizing the need for uncompromising protection of national interests. He labeled Türkiye's policies as "revisionist" and a significant threat to Greece's strategic priorities, particularly in the Aegean Sea.
Key Statements by Karamanlis
Speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of Karpathos Island's liberation, Karamanlis outlined the following:
The Aegean's strategic importance as Greece’s geopolitical and maritime stronghold must not be compromised.
"Türkiye's goal is not just to offer alternative views but to alter the international legal order and establish regional hegemony," he said.
He called for dialogue with Türkiye but stressed that it should not come at the expense of Greece's national interests.
Praise for Samaras
Karamanlis praised former PM Antonis Samaras, recently expelled from ND, for his decision in 2015 to reject the International Court of Justice's mandatory jurisdiction on sovereignty and security issues.
Implications
Karamanlis’s remarks signal a call for a firmer stance on Türkiye, potentially influencing Greece’s political discourse. By framing Türkiye’s intentions as hegemonic, he underscores the urgency of safeguarding Greece’s sovereignty and geopolitical interests.
