FM Gerapetritis: The government will always seek parties’ consensus on all major national issues

The government seeks consensus on all major national issues, not just in relation to Turkiye, Greek Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis said in an interview to ‘Parapolitika’ FM on Monday.

“Whenever you have major issues that do not simply relate to the current generation but extend to future ones, you should have the greatest possible consultation on this issue, and the greatest possible consensus,” Gerapetritits said. “It is obvious that at the end of the day, the responsibility for accountability of its actions lies with the relevant government, not with the opposition or society. It is the government that bears the responsibility.”

Asked to comment on criticism by former prime minister Antonis Samaras that any consensus with Turkiye is a compromise, the Greek FM said noted that “consensus is a good thing” but underlined that “there is no compromise.” Instead, he said, “what there is are talks, consultation, so that we can find those points in which we converge.” Gerapetritis stressed that he will “never discuss sovereignty issues” but “there are only two options – either we try to live in peace and security, trying not to upgrade tensions into crises, or live in a constant readiness for war.”

Greece will not diverge from its basic positions, he added, but he personally felt he had an obligation to serve his country rather than be popular.

In addition, the foreign minister said that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ official visit to Ankara will take place in May, after preparations related to the three steps of political dialog, Confidence-Building Measures, and the positive agenda, so that there is a beneficial result that the leaders of the two countries can approve.

Gerapetritis also referred to multilevel investigations going on for the Tempi train collision in February 2023, and to his own meeting with a related European Commissioner, along with his request that the European Union’s Agency for Railways carry out its own investigation. “I cannot understand how anyone can be critical [claiming] a cover-up, when there has been a full investigation – truly comprehensive – at all levels, which is being implemented,” the FM said.

SOURCE; ANA-MPA