NEW YORK -UN – G. Garantzioti /ANA-MPA [File Photo: GANP/ Dimitrios Panagos]
Greece is expected to face a particularly demanding diplomatic agenda in October, with its presidency of the United Nations Security Council coinciding with critical international developments and the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General, a senior diplomatic source said on Friday.
The source said Greece would have a “significant say” in the selection process, as it would be tasked with helping to build consensus among Security Council members. Athens has already formed a view of the candidates who meet its principles and positions, while its priority is to establish which candidates can secure the support of the permanent members.
Relations with Turkiye
On relations with Turkiye, the source stressed that communication channels have at no time stopped operating, while underlining that Greece “remains true to its commitments but will not compromise on its positions”.
The three main pillars of the structured Greek-Turkish dialogue – confidence-building measures, political dialogue and the positive agenda – are continuing.
The source said dialogue should continue and recent tensions should be reduced, although this did not depend solely on the Greek side.
The source added that “whenever Turkiye takes actions that run counter to Greece’s fundamental positions, there will, of course, be a corresponding response.”
Cyprus issue
Regarding the Cyprus issue, the source said there was “considerable activity”, but that developments so far did not justify optimism about a breakthrough in the near future, before the end of the current UN Secretary-General’s term.
The senior diplomatic source described a statement by the Turkish president as “unproductive”, despite Ankara’s more moderate stance on Greek-Turkish relations.
Nevertheless, the source stressed the importance of building better momentum towards a settlement of the Cyprus issue that could be inherited by the next UN Secretary-General.
On Turkiye’s ambition to participate in wider European defence mechanisms, the source said the issue was a matter of principle for Athens, adding that “this cannot move forward as long as the threat of war remains in place”.
Energy security concerns
On energy security, the source noted that this was a topic of great concern for all, adding that preparations were needed for the possibility of a prolonged crisis, through Greek faced no immediate issue for the coming winter thanks to its existing reserves.
Regarding relations with Iran and the meeting between the Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and his Iranian counterpart, the source said Athens maintained an “ongoing channel of communication”.
However, the source noted, there was little optimism about an immediate return to peace in the region, as the Iranian side “does not appear willing to back down from its key demands”.
The meeting between the two ministers had included the presentation of Greece’s positions on freedom of navigation and maritime security.
Diplomatic contacts in New York
Regarding bilateral meetings in New York, the source said Greece had received a large number of requests for meetings, with Athens seeking to strengthen contacts particularly with countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The source specifically mentioned India, Brazil and Pakistan, as well as efforts to strengthen Greece’s diplomatic presence in Latin America.
Meetings were also held with Eritrea, Libya, Algeria, Somalia and Egypt.
Algeria was highlighted as an important “energy partner”, while Somalia was discussed in the context of the Security Council and maritime security.
The senior diplomatic source described Greek-American relations as very good and confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected to visit Greece as part of the sixth round of the Strategic Dialogue.
The visit would take place within a framework of “deep cooperation” that is continuing to expand.
Regarding Lebanon, the source said that a proposal for participation in an international force following the end of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate was being considered.
