Speaking “in his scientific capacity,” as he stressed, Syrigos explained that for the US action to be considered lawful, the use of force would have to be justified under international law, which it was not.

Attempting to align the prime minister’s statement with Greece’s official position, he claimed that the country’s stance had been articulated at the UN Security Council and that Mitsotakis spoke before having “complete information.”

SYRIZA’s reaction was swift and caustic. The party mocked Syrigos’ effort to “cover up the prime minister’s magnificent blunder,” describing it as “almost touching.” In its statement, SYRIZA noted that in trying to defend Mitsotakis, Syrigos was forced to admit that “just as a country should not behave like a court, a prime minister should not behave like a professor of International Law,” a line the opposition seized on:

“We agree,” SYRIZA said. “And we add that the prime minister of a country should neither rush to make posts nor lightly express positions that may later be used against national interests. Good effort, Mr Syrigos, but in vain.”

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