Mitsotakis calls for sanctions against Turkey in meeting with Cypriot President

·

The Greek Prime Minister has had enough of Turkey’s “unnecessary and petty” decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia into a mosque, demanding a more “comprehensive European response.”

In a a joint press conference with visiting Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke about the Turkish President’s “unprecedented decision” to change the status of Hagia Sophia, which redescribed as “regressive.”

“Hagia Sophia has become a world heritage monument and that does not change,” adding that “history teaches us that the world’s heritage can not become a tug-of-war between states.”

“The unprecedented decision regarding the character of Hagia Sophia hurts us as Greek Orthodox Christians, but it also hurts us as citizens of the world. This issue is not a Greek-Turkish issue, it is not even a Euro-Turkish issue, it is global. It is a universal issue.”

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s move to switch the status of Hagia Sophia to a mosque has been met with a strong response from Greeks, who revere the sixth century building as a focal point of their Orthodox Christian faith.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said Greece and Cyprus sought dialogue, peace, and stability and did not engage in provocative actions unlike Turkey.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades. Photo: Kyriakos Mitsotakis Twitter

“[Turkey’s] dispute of our sovereign rights and international law means it is time for more dynamic reactions,” the Greek PM said on Tuesday.

“United and determined, Europe must now draw up a specific list of action and sanctions against a country that asserts the role of the regional trouble-maker and is developing into threat for regional stability.”

The Greek PM also commented on Ankara’s activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, re-addressing Turkey’s violation of international law by drilling in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, disregarding the fact that it is a candidate country for EU membership. 

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Controversial 13-hour workday law passes in Greece amid protests

Greece’s parliament has passed a controversial labour reform allowing employees to work up to 13 hours a day, despite fierce protests.

From Cyprus to Carina: The 70-year legacy of Chris Nicolaou’s family store

Chris Nicolaou had two main goals when he arrived in Australia from Cyprus in 1955. The first was to be his own boss.

Greek community unites for heart health at AHEPA Australia’s fundraiser

AHEPA Australia hosted its Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, raising over $2k.

Honouring Hellenism: One year of ‘Our People, Their Stories’ in Australia

“Our People, Their Stories,” an initiative of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, has celebrated its first anniversary.

GOCNSW hosts Dr Ifigeneia Dosi for inspiring Greek heritage language training

On Monday, October 13, the GOCNSW Afternoon and Saturday School Greek Language Program proudly hosted Dr Ifigeneia Dosi. 

You May Also Like

Remembering Greek rock musician, Lavrentis Machairitsas

On this day in 1956, famous Greek rock musician and composer, Lavrentis Machairitsas, was born in Volos, Greece.

Canberra author Peter Papathanasiou announces new book to be published in October

Peter Papathanasiou, author of the memoir ‘Little One’ announced he will be releasing a new book, in October 2021.

Greek students win first prize in Eurostat Statistics Competition

Three high school students from Thessaloniki became the first Greek team to win first prize in the Eurostat Statistics Competition.