Gerapetritis on Turkey: We have ready-made scenarios for anything - Whoever shouts is not always the most powerful

Gerapetritis stressed that inflammatory and confrontational voices exist on both sides of the Aegean and that responsible governments have a duty to prevent tensions from escalating into a crisis.

“First of all, we should point out that there are many people who are historically uninformed and belligerent, who will try to create a climate of hostility and vanity that is genuinely dangerous for security and prosperity in the region,” he said, making clear that his comments were not directed solely at Turkey.

“To be fair, they are not found only in Turkey. They exist in Greece as well, and everywhere else,” he added.

Greece is prepared for any scenario

The foreign minister acknowledged that tensions between Greece and Turkey have increased in recent months, attributing this in part to Greece’s positions and its international alliances.

At the same time, he warned that escalation always carries risks, stressing that Greece’s objective remains peace and good neighbourly relations.

Asked about the possibility of a new crisis, Gerapetritis sought to reassure the public about the situation on the ground while making clear that Greece remains fully prepared.

“Our assessment is that there is no immediate danger on the ground. Of course, we remain vigilant. We have all scenarios prepared for any kind of tension or increase in pressure. Obviously, we are ready to respond on the ground as well,” he said.

“The strongest are not always those who shout the loudest”

Gerapetritis placed particular emphasis on what he called “real power”, arguing that it is not measured by the intensity of political rhetoric but by diplomatic reach, defence capabilities and economic resilience.

“Real power is not in words. Real power lies in expanding our diplomatic footprint, in defence resilience and in a strong economy,” he said.

“Over the past three years, Greece has strengthened all of these areas. We understand that the kind of excessive rhetoric we often see from circles in neighbouring Turkey is also due to the fact that Greece has acquired real power and a voice that is being heard more than ever before. Those who shout the loudest are not always the strongest. They are more likely to be the weaker ones.”

12-nautical-mile territorial waters

Gerapetritis also addressed the long-running dispute over Greece’s right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, an issue that has once again become a source of tension between Athens and Ankara.

“We have repeatedly said that extending territorial waters to 12 nautical miles is a sovereign right of the Greek state deriving from international law of the sea. We have never relinquished that right,” he said.

“Greece will exercise it at a time and in a manner it considers appropriate. We did so in the Ionian Sea, as far as Cape Tainaron. The same will become a reality when the Greek state decides it is appropriate. Obviously, I cannot give you a timetable. It is, however, a unilateral right.”

“The channels of communication with Turkey must remain open”

The foreign minister also defended the government’s decision to maintain open channels of communication with Turkey, even during periods of heightened tension.

“There are, of course, channels of communication. This is precisely what we established three years ago through the structured Greek-Turkish dialogue and the Athens Declaration,” he said.

Gerapetritis argued that bilateral contacts should not depend solely on the circumstances of the moment.

“Our belief is that this dialogue must continue. I think that talking to your neighbour, particularly a neighbour with whom you have historical differences, is a necessity.

“We cannot say at the same time that Greece seeks peace and stability in the region and then close the door to dialogue.”

He also strongly criticised those who believe Greece would benefit from abandoning talks with Turkey.

“Those who believe that by closing the table of dialogue and refusing to sit down and talk we gain something are, frankly, deeply mistaken. You should never close the door to dialogue. Closing the door to dialogue essentially leaves a legacy of war, not peace,” he said.

“This government is not driven by fear”

Gerapetritis also sought to make clear that the government is not deterred by Turkish reactions.

“This government is not driven by any fear syndrome,” he said.

“We were not afraid to introduce the marine spatial plan. We were not afraid to establish marine parks. We were not afraid to create a force structure that strengthens our islands, despite what was being said. We were not afraid to extend our territorial waters. We were not afraid to sign maritime delimitation agreements with neighbouring countries.”

Greece-Cyprus electricity link will go ahead

The minister also referred to two issues that have been at the centre of Greek-Turkish tensions: marine parks and the planned electricity interconnection between Greece and Cyprus.

“There will, of course, be the implementing decrees for the marine parks, and there will also be the laying of the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection cable,” he said.

He described the project as a “European obligation of Greece” and said it would proceed according to the company’s timetable.

Greece to deepen cooperation with Israel

Gerapetritis also addressed Greece’s strategic relationship with Israel, making clear that Athens does not intend to scale back cooperation because of opposition from other countries.

“The answer is clear: Greece will, of course, deepen its cooperation with Israel. It has generated significant added value, particularly in defence and technology,” he said.

At the same time, he stressed that Greece has the ability to maintain strategic relations with the wider Arab world.

“We have the privilege of being able to engage on truly strategic terms with the entire Arab world,” he added.

The foreign minister also highlighted the European dimension of Greek-Turkish tensions, revealing that Athens has already briefed European institutions and EU member states on Turkey’s positions.