Former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis once again focused on Greek-Turkish relations, speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Karpathos. “I am not questioning anyone’s patriotism,” he made clear, drawing a line from the positions of Antonis Samaras that led to his expulsion from New Democracy.

Karamanlis said that “we should submit to the European Union the country’s maritime spatial planning, complying with the relevant EU directive. We are obliged to do this and it is a first-class opportunity to have our rights reflected with the seal of the European Union. In this context, the activation of the declaration of the EEZ on the basis of the median line, in accordance with Law 4001/2011 and the terms and conditions of the International Law of the Sea, may well be included. It is fully consistent with International Law and does not impede any negotiation.”