ATHENS (Realist English). France will be on the side of Greece and Cyprus in case of a threat to their sovereignty, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said after talks in Athens with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.
“Turkey is threatening Greece with war if it applies its rights arising from the international law of the sea. The Turkish side violates our national sovereignty daily. This year alone, more than 6,1 thousand violations of national airspace were committed, 157 flights over the territory of Greece. And 1 thousand violations of our territorial waters. I don’t think you have encountered so many violations in any other country in the world.” Dendias said.
The Greek Foreign Minister condemned the “unprecedented” statements of Turkish dictator Erdoğan, who has threatened Athens with a tough response if the “Greek provocations” continue:
“They are unheard of. And reprehensible. But we don’t stop. We are not afraid. We have faced much more serious threats in our history. We reject the neo-Ottoman attacks. But I would advise anyone planning attacks on Greece to think three and four times. We are confident in our unions and our partners.”
The French Foreign Minister noted earlier that Paris and Athens very often share the same views and always strive for greater solidarity and unity within the European Union.
“The bilateral relationship between Greece and France is unique, its cultural and civilizational roots are ancient, and today they are deep and solid in every aspect. The strategic partnership signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis a year ago has further enriched this relationship.” she said in an interview with Ekathimerini before the meeting with her Greek counterpart.
On September 3, Turkish dictator Erdoğan, who made military interventions in Syria, Iraq and Libya, called on the Greek authorities to “learn from history” and threatened consequences in case of provocations.
