Greece’s diplomatic schedule is expected to be particularly demanding in October, with the Greek Presidency of the UN Security Council coinciding with critical international developments and the process of selecting the next Secretary-General, according to a senior diplomatic source.

As the source noted, the Presidency will have a “major say” in the selection process for the Secretary-General, as it is called upon to seek common ground among the members of the Council. Athens has already formed a view of the candidates who align with its positions of principle, while the priority is to determine which of them can secure the consent of the Permanent Members.

On Turkey

Regarding Turkey, the same source stressed that the channels of communication “have never ceased”, while emphasising that Greece “remains consistent, but will not compromise on its positions”. The main pillars of the Greek-Turkish Structured Dialogue (Confidence-Building Measures, Political Dialogue, Positive Agenda) are continuing, while it was stressed that “dialogue must continue” and that the recent tensions must be reduced. This, however, the source noted, does not depend solely on the Greek side. The source added that when there are actions by Turkey that run counter to Greece’s fundamental positions, “there will of course be a corresponding response”.

On Cyprus

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the source assessed that there is “a great deal of activity”, but that the existing indications do not allow for optimism in the near future until the end of the UN Secretary-General’s term. The senior diplomatic source referred in this regard to a “counterproductive position” by the Turkish President, despite Ankara’s more moderate stance on Greek-Turkish relations.

The source stressed, however, that it is very important to create better momentum for a solution to the Cyprus issue that the new Secretary-General will inherit. Regarding Turkey’s bid to participate in broader European defence mechanisms, the source stressed that for Athens this is a matter of principle, noting that “this cannot move forward as long as there is a threat of war”.

Energy security and Iran

Particular concern is being expressed over energy security. “Everyone is in a state of great concern,” the source said, noting that preparations are needed even for the possibility of a prolonged crisis. For Greece, however, “there is no issue of adequacy” for this winter due to existing reserves.

Regarding relations with Iran and the meeting between the Foreign Minister and his Iranian counterpart, Athens maintains a “constant channel of communication”, but without optimism for an immediate peace in the region, as the Iranian side “does not appear willing to back down from its fundamental demands”. It was stressed that during the meeting between the two men, “the Greek positions on freedom of navigation and maritime security were conveyed”.

Contacts in New York

Regarding the bilateral contacts in New York, the source noted that Greece received a large number of requests for meetings, with Athens seeking contacts particularly with countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Specific reference was made to India, Brazil and Pakistan, to efforts to strengthen Greece’s footprint in Latin America, as well as to meetings with Eritrea, Libya, Algeria, Somalia and Egypt. Regarding Algeria, the source stressed its importance “as an energy partner”, while regarding Somalia, the source highlighted the dimension of the Security Council and maritime security.

The senior diplomatic source described Greek-American relations as very good, confirming that Marco Rubio is expected in Greece as part of the sixth round of the Strategic Dialogue, within a framework of “deep cooperation” that is developing further. The same source broadly linked Greece’s international standing to the diplomatic capital built up in recent years, highlighting the importance of synergy between foreign policy, defence and the economy.

Regarding Lebanon, the same source said that “a proposal for participation in an international force after the end of UNIFIL is under consideration”.