Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reiterated that the nation is willing to refer the delimitation of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with Turkey to the International Court, provided Ankara recognises that this is the only dispute.
“Greece will never discuss either issues or demilitarisation or, obviously, grey zones or sovereignty issues. For as long as these issues remain on the table, the harder it will be to resolve our great difference, which is the delimitation of maritime zones, that is, of the EEZ and the continental shelf,” Mitsotakis told Antenna TV in his first interview since the Thessaloniki International Fair.
Addressing concerns over the Turkish research vessel Piri Reis and a Greek Armed Forces exercise, he said: “I would like to convey a message of calmness to all Greek citizens. The exercises we are conducting are all scheduled. We always hold them this time of the year, between September 15 and 20.”
He added that the Government Council for National Security had discussed the Piri Reis but “we have not yet seen any movement in the field, but it is not something that greatly concerns us.”
Mitsotakis emphasised Greece’s readiness for “open dialog, sincere conversation, with Turkey,” while stressing that Athens’ stance rests firmly on international law.
On a possible meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York, he said: “This prospect does not yet exist. The intention is there on both sides to find time.”
Domestically, the prime minister said citizens will soon see results from measures announced at Thessaloniki, including tax cuts and higher incomes.
On housing, he confirmed rent refunds for tenants, restrictions on the Golden Visa program, and new incentives to return vacant apartments to the rental market.
Commenting on the OPEKEPE farm subsidies scandal, Mitsotakis admitted: “It was the government’s responsibility to put this organisation in order, we did not succeed … That is why we were forced to take very drastic measures and essentially abolish OPEKEPE and to transfer it to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue.”
On migration, he said the government will decide early next month whether to extend a suspension of asylum procedures. He also confirmed the next general election will take place in spring 2027, with no changes to the electoral law.
Source: Ekathimerini.
