Greece will not accept any fait accompli and unilateral actions have no legal consequences, Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis declared from the Parliament floor. He was responding to a question from Course of Freedom MP Alexandros Kazamias following reports that Ankara is preparing legislation within the framework of the “Blue Homeland” doctrine.
“Any unilateral action is not a binding text under International Law. No domestic legislation can be binding. Such a unilateral action has no legal consequence whatsoever, it is pointless and causes tension,” the head of Greek diplomacy clarified emphatically, adding that the government ensures full briefing of institutions and partners.
Gerapetritis: We will not allow anything that undermines our country’s international position
“We do not tolerate any fait accompli whatsoever. Rest assured, the government is taking care, we will not allow anything that undermines our country’s international position. Sleep peacefully Mr. Kazamias…” he said characteristically, responding to the MP’s concerns about the lack of relevant initiatives from Greece. He also hastened to comment that the government “does not engage with the Turkish press.”
For his part, Mr. Kazamias spoke of Gerapetritis’ “blasé” and “cool” attitude in a situation “that is uncool and quite worrying.” He also asked why Greece has not already made diplomatic démarches to prevent the passage of the “Blue Homeland” law. Gerapetritis did not leave Kazamias’ accusations unanswered and spoke of “frivolity” and “contradictions” from the Course of Freedom MP.
“You acknowledge that we don’t know the content, only that there are rumors in the Turkish press. Is this how foreign policy is conducted? Based on speculation? Should we take preemptive action?” he wondered, adding that “there is absolutely no fait accompli.”
“Whatever has no foundation has no legal consequence. There is no fait accompli. Neither the casus belli exists, nor the Turkish-Libyan memorandum. What exists are unsubstantiated texts without consequences. There should be greater care when referring to national sensitivities and better strategy,” he said addressing Alexandros Kazamias.
“We exercise sovereignty in the field, as we have done by strengthening Defense, through spatial planning, marine parks, hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete, support for Cyprus, strong presence everywhere,” Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis countered. Referring to spatial planning, he meaningfully emphasized that it is not domestic legislation but European acquis, and if a country wants to be a member and engage with the EU, it must respect it.
