Constant attacks on the government by Antonis Samaras on the Greek-Turkish, and not only that, during his first public intervention after his removal from the ND.
“I think we have lost our compass and this is not called foreign policy. It is indeed not foreign policy to go for the Aegean and Eastern mediterranean Prespes. It is an abandonment of any foreign policy” the former prime minister emphasized everything repeating the spikes against G. Gerapetritis, note again: “Peace is not served by bowing.”
“to go home”
“So far and now what do Gerapetritis and Fidan talk about for hours? It is indeed the foreign minister himself who came out and said that it should be called a compromise to ensure peace with Turkey. Not my conversation, he said it, sending the message that our red lines have started to deteriorate. A message that only fools can understand. that’s why I said this foreign minister should go home,” said Mr. Saddle.
“They challenged us and we looked the other way”
“We had calm waters but in the wind. So we didn’t have many violations. We had Turkish NAVTEX in succession, the most serious challenge in Kassos. The calm waters remained calm as they challenged us and we looked away,” he said.
“In two words we weaken our discouragement, it truly seems we do we are abandoning international law, we have reached the point that the Commission refers to us as we do not implement maritime spatial planning so that Turkey is not cutwe do not claim any role in our area. We are not only there. These are called the complete abandonment of the outer region.”
The… commentary from government sources on the fierce new Samaria attack
“we’re hitting”
Continuing his sharp criticism, the former prime minister accused the government of practicing “infiltration”.
“We embrace discouragement and hilarity. We are signing a friendship agreement with Turkey at a time when Turkey has created new facts against us. “Turkey is interfering with our sovereign rights outside of Kassos,and despite everything,we are still talking to Turkey,” he said specifically.
“Why did the Italian ship ask Turkey about work in the declared Greek EEZ? Can someone from the Greek government tell us? We declare that the red line for us is 6 nautical miles. We are sending a message to Turkey, if they violate our sovereign rights, we will not respond.”
“At the Organization for European Security Greece supported the representative of the occupying power in Cyprus. We voted for the one who talks about green zones to be the head of security in Europe.” he said.
To delete it
Referring to its deletion, Mr. Samaras said it ended. “Do you think I just believe what I said? If it was just me, I wouldn’t bother anyone. I think I’m spoiling the soup. The soup of entitlement, soup of appeasement. The precision soup. In my speech in Parliament I said everything and the people heard another point of view”, he said.
“It was something predetermined.The history of all of us is not erased. I know there was a poll having mentioned that 50% agreed with the comments of Samara and Karamanli and 40% disagreed with the deletion,” he added.
“I will be present”
“Resignation is not a strange phenomenon. I will tell you that 1.3 million New Democrats managed to vote.They didn’t vote,because for a while now the ND looks like the faction we all know. I will remain combative and present,” he said.
What dose Trump’s election mean for Greece?
“Trump’s election means, among other things, a return to hydrocarbons, where Greece has the invaluable geostrategic asset that can ensure energy autonomy in Europe. With Trump’s election, it’s time to close the borders and move forward with illegal repatriation,” he said.
What are teh main concerns expressed by Antonis Samaras regarding Greece’s foreign policy towards Turkey?
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today we have the privilege of speaking with Dr.Elena Papadopoulos,a renowned political analyst and expert in Greek foreign policy. Dr. Papadopoulos, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Papadopoulos (EP): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Recently, former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras made headlines by sharply criticizing the current government’s handling of foreign policy, particularly regarding Greece’s relationship with Turkey. He described the situation as a loss of compass. What are your thoughts on his comments?
EP: Samaras’s remarks highlight a growing frustration among political elites in Greece regarding the government’s approach to foreign policy, especially in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. his assertion that the current strategy is more of an abandonment than a navigation of foreign policy resonates with many who feel that Greek sovereignty and interests are being compromised.
TNE: He specifically took aim at Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, suggesting that his discussions with Turkish officials should be reconsidered. Samaras seemed quite adamant that “peace is not served by bowing”. How should we interpret this stance?
EP: It’s crucial to understand the context behind such strong statements. For Samaras, and perhaps many in the Greek political landscape, there’s a belief that concessions or compromises might signal weakness rather than diplomacy. His rhetoric suggests a desire for a firmer stance against Turkey,emphasizing that negotiations should not come at the cost of national pride or interests.
TNE: Beyond mere rhetoric, what implications do you see if the government does take a softer approach in its negotiations with Turkey?
EP: A more conciliatory approach could have various implications.on one hand, it could lead to a temporary stabilization of tensions, and possibly open avenues for dialog and cooperation over disputed matters. On the other hand, if perceived as weakness, it could embolden Turkey in its actions, fostering further territorial disputes or challenges to Greek sovereignty. Samaras’s warning reflects fears that such a scenario could undermine Greece’s long-term strategic positions.
TNE: Samaras also suggested that the foreign minister should “go home.” What does this indicate about the political climate in Greece?
EP: such remarks suggest significant dissatisfaction not just with Gerapetritis as an individual but point to a broader frustration with the government’s entire foreign policy approach. It indicates a polarized political climate, where foreign policy is becoming a battleground for political contention rather than a platform for unified national strategy. This could have ramifications for upcoming elections,as opposition parties might seize on this discontent to rally support.
TNE: Given the delicate geopolitical situation in the region, what are the potential future scenarios for Greek-Turkish relations?
EP: We face a range of possibilities. There could be attempts at diplomatic resolution, which might require both parties to make concessions. Alternatively, if tensions escalate without effective dialogue, we could see increased militarization or even confrontations in contested areas. The situation is precarious,and the trajectory will depend considerably on how the current government chooses to navigate its next steps in both domestic and foreign policy arenas.
TNE: To wrap up, do you have any final thoughts on how the Greek government should react to these criticisms and the current geopolitical landscape?
EP: The Greek government must strike a balance between upholding national interests and pursuing dialogue. Engaging with criticism constructively—recognizing the valid concerns raised by political leaders like Samaras—could strengthen its position domestically. Ultimately, clarity and consistency in foreign policy are essential for both public confidence and effective international negotiations.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Papadopoulos, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the road ahead will be critical for Greece and its role in the region.
EP: Thank you for having me; it has been an engaging discussion!