Mitsotakis: Greece will never discuss demilitarization or sovereignty issues with Türkiye

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reaffirmed Greece’s firm stance on key national issues ahead of a possible meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in New York next week, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

In a televised interview with ANT1 journalist Nikos Chatzinikolaou, Mitsotakis said there is mutual intent to meet, but no confirmed appointment yet. “The intention is there by both sides to find time,” he said, expressing hope that a brief overlap in their schedules could allow for a meeting.

Red lines on sovereignty and demilitarization

Mitsotakis reiterated that Greece is open to international arbitration on the issue of maritime boundaries — particularly the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf — but only if Türkiye recognizes this as the sole dispute between the two nations.

“Greece will never discuss demilitarization, gray zones, or sovereignty issues,” he stressed, adding that placing such topics on the table only complicates efforts to resolve the one legitimate disagreement over maritime zones.

Defense readiness amid tensions

The Greek Prime Minister also addressed the scheduled military exercises being held between September 15–20, noting they are routine and not a response to Türkiye’s deployment of the oceanographic ship Piri Reis.

While he confirmed that the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) is monitoring developments, Mitsotakis emphasized there is no immediate concern and conveyed a message of calm to Greek citizens.

He also announced the procurement of a fourth French-made Belharra frigate, and a technological upgrade for the existing fleet, as part of Greece’s ongoing defense modernization. The first of the new warships is expected to arrive by the end of this year.

“Greece is boosting its deterrent capability while maintaining a confident and open dialogue with Türkiye, based on International Law,” Mitsotakis noted.

AMNA