Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hellenic Republ : Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, following his meeting with the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell (Brussels, 3 December 2019)

Today I had the opportunity to brief the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, on issues concerning the two memoranda recently signed between Turkey and Mr. Serraj, with the latter claiming to represent the government of Libya. I briefed him in detail and explained why these memoranda, by their mere existence, are an attack not only on Greek interests, but also on the interests of other countries. I also urged him to proceed to all of the necessary actions, deriving not only from European solidarity with the member states of the EU, but also, and mainly, from the need to defend International Law and the Law of the Sea. I was the first Minister to visit Mr. Borrell, who took up his duties only yesterday. I am certain he will do what must be done and do it quickly.

JOURNALIST: Minister, the Commission stated just yesterday that if there are disputes they should be resolved in a peaceful manner between the countries involved. Is this the stance that was expressed today by Mr. Borrell as well?

N. DENDIAS: The peaceful resolution of disputes is a common, global stance enshrined in the UN Charter. The question here is not how disputes are resolved. It is how disputes are created. And Turkey, through its violations of international legality, is constantly creating disputes with all of its neighbours. There is not a single neighbour of Turkey that does not have disputes with it. I think this is a little too much, and is telling.
JOURNALIST: Are the conditions present for a debate to start again for us to go back to the International Court in The Hague?

N. DENDIAS: Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It is far too soon to talk about anything like that.

JOURNALIST: Did Mr. Borrell give you a response?

N. DENDIAS: Mr. Borrell will speak for Mr. Borrell. They will be issuing their own relevant statement. It's up to them. I am expressing the Greek position. I will brief the Prime Minister now in London. The climate with Mr. Borrell is always warm. We have known him for many years. He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain until yesterday. So this isn't the first time I have met with him. And I must say he was pleased that I was the first foreign official he received in his new capacity. But beyond that, as a general position: Greece is always prepared to talk to Turkey, but how? Within the framework of International Law and without Turkey thinking for even a moment that it can, through its practices, exert pressure on us and lead us into a negotiation under terms other than those of International Law.

Thank you very much.