“Libya should understand that any discussion will be based on international law,” said Southwestern Democracy MP and party’s International Relations and EU Secretary Tasos Hadjivassiliou, in an interview with Alpha Radio on Thursday morning, commenting on the resumption of discussions with the North African country on defining its EEZ.

Hadjivassiliou stressed that Greece is sending a clear message to Libya that “the Turcolibian memorandum is not an issue for discussion, because it is absolutely untenable – not only for us, but for any civilized country that respects international law.” As he explained, the logic of the memorandum has permeated Libya’s political elite, which is why any talks must be premised on respect for international law.

Referring to the geopolitical scene, he noted that Turkey is in a phase of “geopolitical anxiety,” and this explains its aggressive rhetoric. “The arrival of Europe and the participation of the US energy giant Chevron in the tender for hydrocarbons south of Crete is a vote of confidence in our country and an indirect admission of Greek positions,” he said, adding that this annoys Ankara, while at the same time strengthening Athens’ arguments on the invalidity of the Turkish-Cypriot memorandum.

In the same context, the MP underlined the strategic importance of the rapprochement with Libya. Mr Gerapetritis has already had contacts with the Acting Minister in Athens, as well as scheduled meetings with the Libyan authorities. He said the aim is to re-explore the positions and intentions of the two sides, as “we are facing a completely different landscape than 15 years ago.”

Referring to the importance of the Greek diplomatic presence, he stressed that “Libya knows that without Athens it cannot have access to European funding, while Greece, as a member of the UN Security Council, plays a crucial role in decisions on the future of the country.” Consequently, “Libya’s relationship with Greece is a barometer for its relations with the outside world.”

Referring to the Turkish provocations and the Piriri Reis ship, he said the government’s response was immediate and effective: “The anti-NAVTEX mission from the Lemnos station reminded the Greek jurisdiction in the region.” He concluded by welcoming plans for an upcoming Mitsotakis-Erdoğan meeting in New York, saying that “despite our differences, we have to talk – because when we talk, we explain and record positions. Only in this way can a possible prospect of a solution be formed.” As he said, “not talking is not a solution, nor does it lead anywhere. The only way is international law – that is our guide.”