In an interview with ANT1 on Wednesday, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leader of New Democracy, emphasized the importance of resuming Greek-Turkish dialogue if Turkey wishes to foster closer ties with Europe and open itself to the West.
The dialogue, Mitsotakis stated, will primarily focus on “a single and only difference [between us], which is the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf in the Aegean and the East Mediterranean.”
Speaking ahead of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also be present, Mitsotakis made it clear that “we do not have a lot to discuss – issues of sovereignty and demilitarisation are off the table” if the two leaders meet in Lithuania.
Mitsotakis, the leader of New Democracy and former prime minister, categorically ruled out any possibility of joint energy resource exploitation in the Aegean with Turkey. He also expressed his view that “Turkey should reassess its actions in Thrace” regarding the Greek Muslim minority and potential influence on national elections. He pledged to openly address this issue with Erdogan.
Furthermore, Mitsotakis criticised the main opposition party, SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, for spreading false information about New Democracy’s plans to privatize healthcare during its second term. He asserted that the upcoming term will prioritise addressing chronic problems such as long waiting times for regular surgical operations and improving conditions in emergency departments.
Additionally, Mitsotakis reiterated his intention to bring the Athens Water and Sewage company (EYDAP) and its Thessaloniki counterpart (EYDATh) under full state control. He emphasised that those who voted for him sent a clear message for the necessity of bold reforms and accelerated progress in addressing necessary changes.
Mitsotakis also expressed his determination to revitalise his new cabinet, reshuffling former ministers, and ensuring that the next four-year term surpasses the achievements of the previous one.
“Our responsibility is to be our own main opposition, to listen to society instead of turning inward, and to engage in self-correction more vigorously than in previous years,” he emphasised.
Source: AMNA
