Mitsotakis to Türkiye: Greece We will not accept threats or demands
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered a firm message to Türkiye from Meis (Kastellorizo), saying Greece seeks dialogue and good neighbourly relations but will not accept threats, demands or challenges to its sovereign rights.
“We threaten no one, but neither do we accept threats or demands from anyone. We are ready to defend our territorial integrity and our sovereign rights,” Mitsotakis said during a ceremony marking the 83rd anniversary of the island’s liberation.
The Greek prime minister said dialogue with Türkiye was a conscious choice based on confidence and respect for international law and the law of the sea.
“Our prudence must not be interpreted as weakness”
Mitsotakis said Greece’s foreign and defence policy was based on three principles: security, stability and consistency.
He described the government’s approach as a responsible, patriotic and realistic foreign policy, accompanied by the continued strengthening of the country’s deterrence capabilities.
Addressing Türkiye, Mitsotakis said Greece wanted friendly relations without tensions or provocations and remained committed to international law.
“Our prudence must not be interpreted as weakness,” he said, stressing that Greece was prepared to defend its territorial integrity and sovereign rights.
He said dialogue should not be viewed as a retreat, but as the choice of a country confident in itself and in international law.
“Doors closed to revisionist aspirations”
Mitsotakis also highlighted Meis (Kastellorizo’s) European significance, saying that at the easternmost point of Greek territory, Greece’s borders coincide with Europe’s borders.
“The message sent by Meis (Kastellorizo) has its own particular significance because its territory is also European territory,” he said.
The prime minister described the island as an emblematic location from which Greece could send a message in favour of peace, while keeping the door closed to revisionist aspirations and remaining open to mutual respect and international legality.
New support measures for Meis (Kastellorizo)
Mitsotakis also announced a package of measures aimed at supporting residents and strengthening permanent settlement on the island.
Public-sector employees, security personnel and armed forces members serving on Kastellorizo will receive an annual incentive of €5,000.
Households on the island will also receive annual financial support of €5,000, with an additional €1,000 for each minor child.
The government will also introduce an additional subsidised ferry service each week, according to the prime minister.
Infrastructure projects to be accelerated
Mitsotakis said projects involving the island’s port, water supply, desalination facilities and wider infrastructure would be accelerated.
He also announced plans to reconstruct homes that could be used to provide free accommodation for doctors, teachers and other public officials serving on the island.
The prime minister linked the measures to the government’s broader foreign and defence policy since 2019, describing it as a “national line” that had produced tangible results in defence, diplomacy, the economy and social cohesion.
Source-Photo:AMNA
