The message that stability in Syria, following the collapse of the brutal Assad regime, is in the interest of all involved parties, was delivered by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a press conference late in the evening in Brussels, after the conclusion of the European Union Summit.
When asked about the matter, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant role Greece has to play in the post-Assad era in Syria. He stated that Greece naturally assumes the role of the spiritual protector of Greek Orthodox Christians, whose safety is a primary concern for Athens.
In response to Turkey’s involvement in Syria, Mr Mitsotakis emphasised that it is too early to draw solid conclusions about Turkey’s role and its future implications for Syria. “Everyone should be concerned about ensuring Syria’s territorial integrity and protecting the country’s religious minorities,” noted Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He added that both he and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, informed European partners about the risks that could arise for regional stability from any potential Turkish attempt to delineate an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with Syria’s new regime. He reiterated firmly that the Turkey-Libya Memorandum is illegal.
Regarding migration, the Prime Minister spoke about voluntary returns to Syria, emphasising the need to ensure that those wishing to return to the country have their basic needs met.
On Ukraine
When asked about Ukraine, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to providing multi-faceted support to Ukraine, ensuring that Kyiv does not find itself in a position of weakness when peace talks begin. On Greece’s long-standing position to increase resources for common European defence, the Prime Minister announced that, under Greek initiative, an informal EU Summit will be held in early February in Belgium, focusing exclusively on European defence. He spoke about the need for geopolitical and defence awareness across the continent.
Mr Mitsotakis stated that more European resources must be mobilised, and a European defence fund should be established. “This would also send a message to the United States that the European Union is taking its responsibilities seriously,” he said. When asked about the statements made by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia regarding the “Macedonian people,” the Greek Prime Minister clarified that he reminded Mr Mitskoski that the agreement must be fully respected, including the use of the name erga omnes.
Press conference highlights
Giannis Kantelis (SKAI):
“Good evening, Mr Prime Minister. I would like to start with Ukraine, one of the key topics at the Summit. How far is the European Union willing to go to prevent Russia from winning or to ensure Ukraine’s victory? How does this affect Euro-Atlantic relations, particularly with the new US administration?”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis:
“The EU’s stance, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council, remains steadfast. We continue to support Ukraine, not only militarily but also economically, to enable Ukraine to negotiate a possible peace with Russia on its own terms and timeline, and not under conditions of weakness.
As for the policy of the US President on Ukraine, I do not know what it will be. What I do know is that the conclusions of the European Council show that the EU’s position has not changed.”
Spyros Mourelatos (ANT1 – AMNA):
“Mr Prime Minister, we know that Syria was discussed during the dinner. Does the increasing influence of Turkey in Damascus concern the EU and the Greek government? Could this affect Greek-Turkish relations, especially ahead of the High-Level Cooperation Council in Ankara early next year?”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis:
“We expressed satisfaction that a brutal regime, the level and intensity of violence used to suppress the Syrian people having recently come to light, has collapsed. This is fundamentally a positive development.
What should concern us all, including Turkey, is safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity and the emergence of a new regime with democratic legitimacy, one that respects the rights of religious minorities.”
Maria Psara (STAR):
“Prime Minister, was the risk of a potential Turkey-Syria EEZ agreement, as suggested by Hulusi Akar, raised by you and the Cypriot President? Does Greece plan to proceed with the return of Syrian refugees, and how would that process work?”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis:
“Let me first reiterate that, in the view of both Greece and the EU, the Turkey-Libya Memorandum is illegal and void.
President Christodoulides and I informed our counterparts about discussions reported in the media regarding a potential Turkey-Syria EEZ that could overlook Cyprus’s undeniable sovereign rights.
As for returns, the first step is to explore the possibility of voluntary returns, while supporting structures—primarily through the UN—that ensure basic needs are met for those returning.”
Georgia Skitzi (ERT):
“At yesterday’s EU-Western Balkans Summit, you spoke about Serbia and Albania. How do you see Greece’s role in this context, particularly regarding North Macedonia, whose leader referred to ‘Macedonians’ and ‘Macedonia’?”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis:
“In both our meeting yesterday and in this morning’s EPP gathering, he used the official name, North Macedonia, as required under the agreement. I reiterated the need for strict adherence to international agreements, which is a necessary condition for North Macedonia’s EU path.”
The press conference concluded with a discussion on European defence and the need for a common defence strategy to address the challenges facing Europe.
Also read: Erdoğan targets Kurds amid Syrian regime collapse
Source: ANA-MPA
