The first “hiccup” in EU-Greece relations came even before the new government’s Cabinet members were sworn in on Tuesday, as PM Alexis Tsipras reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with a same-day announcement on Ukraine, signed in the name all of the Union’s leaders.
The huff appears in the timing of the announcement, as Antonis Samaras was Greek prime minister on Monday morning, with Tsipras – the winner of Sunday’s general election – succeeding the former in the afternoon — handover ceremony notwithstanding.
Sources said Tsipras phoned EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini to express his dissatisfaction, something repeated with Athens’ permanent liaison office chief to the EU.
A later statement issued by the nascent Tsipras government said the necessary consensus and unanimity was not attained, and that manipulation was used to issue what appeared to be statement by all 28 member-states.
Back in Brussels, the EU statement expresssed concern over the “deteriorating security and humanitarian situation” in the eastern Ukraine and the death of civilians through “indiscriminate shelling” – a reference to the carnage in the port city of Mariupol.
“In view of the worsening situation we ask (foreign ministers) to assess the situation and to consider any appropriate action, in particular on further restrictive measures, aiming at a swift and comprehensive implementation of the Minsk agreements,” the 28, or 27, members stated.