Foreign Affairs Minister replies to MP Georganas regarding the East Mediterranean crisis

·

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, has replied to Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas’ second and most recent letter with regards to the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In his letter, signed September 11 and addressed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister Payne, MP Georganas was urging the Australian government to “utilise all possible avenues and diplomatic channels available to encourage a peaceful resolution of this critical situation in the Eastern Mediterranean – and highlight the importance of achieving sustained mutual respect and understanding in the region.”

Mr Georganas’, first letter to the Australian Prime Minister was penned in August 2020. 

In her reply to the Greek Australian politician, signed Thursday 5 November, Minister Payne writes:

Dear Mr Georganas 

Thank you for your letter of 11 September 2020 regarding rising tensions occurring in the Easter Mediterranean. I understand the Prime Minister has also responded to your letter to him on this issue.

As noted by the Prime Minister, the Government is actively monitoring tensions between Turkey and Greece, including over Turkey’s proposed exploration activity in the Eastern Mediterranean. We are concerned about the potential for further escalation of the situation and support a peaceful resolution, through dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Thank you for bringing your concerns and those of your constituents to the attention of the Government.

Yours Sincerely

Marise Payne

Greek Foreign Minister urges Germany to halt sale of submarines to Turkey:

On Monday, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias urged Germany to halt the sale of Type 214 class submarines to Turkey, saying that the move would upset the existing power balance and enable Ankara to destabilize the Eastern Mediterranean.

In an article in Die Welt newspaper, Dendias said that the German submarines – the Hellenic Navy currently has four such vessels – “give us a strategic advantage in the Southeast Mediterranean and the Aegean.”

“If Germany delivers [these vessels], Turkey will again have an advantage against Greece,” Dendias said.

Ankara has ordered six Type 214 submarines. 

In the same article, Dendias said that Germany’s “policy of appeasement” in dealing with Turkey had failed, a fact manifested by the fresh deployment of its Oruc Reis research vessel.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

AHEPA Sydney & NSW marks OXI Day with tribute to Greece’s heroes of 1940

On Wednesday, October 29, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc proudly held a commemorative event in honour of OXI Day. Read more here.

Dean Kalymniou on Gough Whitlam and the 50-year legacy of the Racial Discrimination Act

Dean Kalymniou reflects on Whitlam’s legacy and 50 years of the Racial Discrimination Act - a milestone in Australia’s pursuit of justice.

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

‘Love, care and respect’: Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos share the key to 70 years of marriage

From Patras to Bexley, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos’ 70-year love story is a timeless testament to faith, resilience, and devotion.

Accused Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis previously gave police an alibi, court hears

Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in 1977.

You May Also Like

Oakleigh grandfather’s 40-year lottery dream comes true with $1 million win

An Oakleigh man spotted his lottery numbers printed in the newspaper, revealing a $1 million Weekday Windfall win.

Tax authorities pay visit to Jon Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group

The latest intervention by officials from the ATO could risk upsetting Jon Adgemis' latest attempts to secure a $500 million debt deal.

Panarcadian Association of Melbourne continue search after historic flag stolen

Panarcadian Association of Melbourne - O Kolokotronis is continuing to search for a historic flag that was stolen from its stall at Antipodes.