Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsitakis delivered a speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, on Thursday. Mitsotakis touched on several issues including efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the war in Ukraine, Greek-Turkish relations and the Cypriot issue.
“This is the first time I am here as the leader of a country that is about to become a member of the UN Security Council,” Mitsotakis began, calling for necessary reforms that the Security Council must undergo in order to address the complex problems of an increasingly insecure world.
He then focused on the ongoing efforts for ceasefire in Gaza emphasizing that Greece is prepared to contribute anyway it can to achieve stability in the region. “Violence in the Middle East is causing citizens to suffer in Gaza,” the prime minister said, urging those with influence to step back from this cycle of violence, and engage in a de-escalation dialogue.
Regarding Greece’s relations with Turkey, he stressed that during the past year he had met with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Turkey’s President) six times an indication that Greece is continually exploring ways to improve bilateral relations with Turkey in an effort to address common challenges, such as climate change and migration.
However, he made it clear that the only significant issue of dispute with its neighbor is the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. “We have not been able to settle this dispute for more than 40 years, but that does not mean it is destined to remain unresolved,” he said.
“I was pleased to hear President Erdoğan say that the delimitation of maritime zones in accordance with international law is in the common interest of the entire Eastern Mediterranean region,” emphasized the prime minister.
He then addressed the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that he sees no willingness from Turkey for dialogue on the matter and stressed that the occupation of Cyprus is a violation of the principles of the European Charter.
He further stressed that a creation of a bi-zonal federation with a single legal status, is the only accepted solution for Greece and that a two-state solution will not be accepted. “It is not a solution” he said and called upon Turkey to return to negotiations for a fair and sustainable solution.
Regarding the conflicts in Western Balkans, he affirmed Greece’s commitment to work towards reducing conflicts in the region. “The revival of nationalism has no place in today’s world. International agreements must be respected, such as the Prespa Agreement.”
Mitsotakis further touched on the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence and social media platforms, particularly regarding the mental health of children.
