Greece faces daily threats from our neighbour, Turkeyalways emphasizing respect for international law, as well as the principle of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, explained the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias at the beginning of the meeting with his former general secretary UN Ban Ki-moon.

Referring to Turkey’s statement yesterday after the meeting of the National Security Council that it will use “all legal means and methods to protect its interests”, Nikos Dendias noted that he understands the reference to “legal means” as a recognition, even indirect, from Turkey that it must respect international law. Obviously, he stressed, this includes at least the renunciation of the threat of war against Greece, the infamous casus belli, he stressed.

In this context, he reaffirmed Greece’s readiness to always engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey, but on a firm basis, on the basis of international law, the UN Charter and international maritime law.

Addressing Ban Ki-moon, he said that he served the international community for ten years in very difficult conditions, and noted that, unfortunately, the situation of mankind has not improved much. On the contrary, he pointed out, the revisionist forces are trampling on the fundamental principles of international law. In particular, the UN Charter, Article 2.4 of which expressly prohibits the threat or use of force, and this is the situation we face today in Ukraine, he said.

In conclusion, he thanked the former UN Secretary General for his presence in Athens and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that the promotion of the idea of ​​the UN in this difficult period is very important for our country, our region, but also for the world.

During the meeting, Nikos Dendias briefed Ban Ki-moon on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and current international challenges, including Ukraine. “I reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering commitment to international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” N. Dendias wrote in a social media post.

^{Source: APE-MEB}