Speaking during the regular briefing of diplomatic correspondents, Zohiou said: ‘Greece, as a factor of stability and for humanitarian reasons, used its diplomatic capital and undertook to welcome to its territory 176 citizens of EU member states and third countries who were on board the flotilla to Gaza.’

She continued by saying that ‘there was no prior agreement with Israel regarding the operations’, adding that ‘the communication was exclusively for the disembarkation of the 176 citizens. Greece acted on the basis of the rules of the law of the sea.’

‘We responsibly undertook the humanitarian task of welcoming the passengers under extremely adverse conditions,’ she claimed, adding that Greece’s aim was to avoid escalation and ensure the safety and protection of the 176 citizens.

Responding to related questions, she said that the Israeli vessel had not docked. ‘The disembarkation of the passengers was carried out by means of the Coast Guard. Greece, for humanitarian purposes, offered to disembark the 176 citizens on its territory and ensured that they returned to their countries,’ she noted.

Zohiou argued that Greece supports full compliance with the procedures provided for by international law and calls for universal respect for international law, without at any point condemning violations by the state of Israel. She reiterated that the understanding with Israel took place after the ‘incident’.

Trump visit to Athens

Responding to questions about a possible visit by US President Donald Trump and US ministers, announced by US ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, Zohiou said that ‘there has been no official information or official arrangement for a visit’.

‘Obviously, a positive mood and intention has been expressed for the US president to visit Greece. But for now, we are there,’ she added.

She also said that the strategic dialogue with the US is pending, clarifying, however, that there is mutual will for it to take place by the end of the year.

Strait of Hormuz

On the Strait of Hormuz, Zohiou repeated that Greece supports the initiatives of France and Britain, and said that the country would have a leading role in cooperation with the maritime community. However, she clarified that she was referring to the period after the end of hostilities.

‘There is moderate optimism,’ she said. ‘Greece, if and when everything is put into practice and the initiatives are implemented, has a recognised role given the fact that it has the largest […] fleet in the world,’ she said, adding: ‘So the weight of our country’s participation in these initiatives is recognised there.’

‘Freedom of navigation remains an absolute priority for us. Commercial ships and civilian infrastructure should not be targets,’ she stressed, without mentioning that the straits were closed in response to US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

______________________________________________

Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.

Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.