Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos attended the proceedings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council today. After the end of the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, they made a systematic effort to communicate the joint positions of the two countries to the EU partners. Furthermore, addressing the Foreign Affairs Council, he raised the issue of the provocative and illegal actions of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and specifically the Cypriot EEZ. Mr Katrougalos noted that the European Council had condemned Turkey’s actions as illegal and contrary to international law as early as March 2018, and had called on Turkey to refrain from such provocations. He further stressed that the time has come to send a clear, unequivocal and specific dissuasive message to the other side. In his speech before the Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that this was not just required out of solidarity for Cyprus, but also for reasons pertaining to international legality, the international law and the general interests of the EU. Mr Katrougalos underlined that since the borders of every member state are essentially EU borders, the EEZ of every country is essentially the EEZ of the EU, pointing out that Cyprus has fulfilled all obligations arising from the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, from now on, the EU as a whole should take a stance against these illegal and provocative actions. He also noted that all Greeks, and not just the political powers, should, in a calm climate, marked by alertness, decisiveness and unity, be made aware that they have the greatest international support ever with regard to these positions. Lastly, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs discussed enlargement issues, which will be the topic of discussion at the upcoming General Affairs Council and European Council meetings. In this regard, Mr Katrougalos highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of the Greek minority in Albania, while he also mentioned that the EU High Representative, F. Mogherini, extended her congratulations on the 1-year anniversary since the Prespa Agreement. This gave the Ministers of Foreign Affairs the chance to refer to the Agreement as a message of stability for the wider area, and to stress that the European prospects of North Macedonia must be supported, so that the EU may continue to be considered credible in the area.
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