Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that Turkey "adds yet another link on its chain of aggressive actions against Greece, Cyprus and the entire European Union," speaking during his meeting with visiting German Foreign Affairs Minister Heiko Maas on Tuesday.
Challenging the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus equals "challenging those of Europe," he stressed.
The Greek Premier told Maas that if Turkey's provocative actions continue then "imposing EU sanctions will be the only response," as it is "up to Turkey to choose what relationship it wants to have with Greece, Cyprus, and with Europe."
After congratulating Mitsotakis for contributing to a fruitful agreement at the EU Summit, in line, as he said, with Chancellor Merkel's comment on Greece's "constructive role" during the pandemic crisis, the German minister expressed his agreement on the matter of Turkey's aggressive behavior, a position he noted was reflected in the conclusions of the recent EU Council of Foreign Ministers.
"We have a clear stance of solidarity with Greece and Cyprus," said Maas and he underlined that it is up to Turkey to "end its provocative attitude towards Greece and enter into a dialogue."
Germany will pursue this policy regarding Turkey, at both a bilateral and EU level, alongside "Chancellor Merkel's active role in this direction."
The German minister concluded by saying that Germany stands in favor of "much greater solidarity across the European Union, to make it clear that member states do not only have rights but also obligations to one another, and that with their contribution, we should always be looking towards a solution."

PM's briefings with ministers

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met at his office with Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias, government sources said on Tuesday, following a NAVTEX issued by Turkey that blocks the sea SE of Kastelorizo island for seismic surveys until August 2.
Mitsotakis also spoke with National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos and National Defense General Staff chief Constantine Floros.
"The prime minister and the government are following developments with calmness and preparedness," the sources said.