┋ English version ┋ 19.06.2019 11:43

Tsipras: Turkey's moves are an indication of its weakness and isolation in the region

Regarding a possible incident with Turkey, the prime minister said that this is always possible and the Greek government always takes into account

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"Turkey's moves are an indication of its weakness and isolation in the region," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Wednesday in an interview with an OPEN TV breakfast television programme.

Greece and Cyprus' moves and alliances over the last four years have led Turkey to a strategic deadlock, Tsipras added and explained: "Turkey has no strong alliances. It is aware that it cannot claim that its differences with Cyprus as well as with Greece are a bilateral issue. The EEZ of Cyprus is also Europe's EEZ, the borders of Greece are also borders of Europe."

Regarding a possible incident with Turkey, the prime minister said that this is always a possibility and the Greek government always takes into account.

However, Tsipras estimated that Turkey will not proceed to carry out further drillings in the area between Kastellorizo and Cyprus.

"In any case, Greece has a deterrence plan. Greece will not step back," he underlined.

"Greece is in constant cooperation and with the Republic of Cyprus and supports its decisions," he said. The prime minister pointed out that the channels of communication with Turkey are open and added that, if necessary, he can speak with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He reassured viewers that Greek citizens can feel safe and added that they will be even safer if the main opposition party stops exploiting foreign policy issues for petty party politics. He also noted that foreign policy issues should not be part of the election campaign debate.

"We have exited the memoranda. It is time to support those who helped the most," the prime minister said.

Moreover, he said that the tax cuts promised by New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis cost 1.5 billion euros and will only favour the rich. He also referred to the danger of returning to the policies of 2010-2014, if New Democracy wins the elections.

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