The 13 countries invited to participate in the Peace Council should endorse their accession only on the issue concerning the next day of the Gaza peace process and for as long as it is required,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed as he arrived at the EU summit

In his statements, Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to a period of increased tension in Euro-Atlantic relations, following statements by US President Donald Trump.

As the Prime Minister noted, “it is not often that an extraordinary summit is convened”, but at the present juncture this was deemed necessary, as in recent weeks there has been considerable tension between Europe and the United States. At the same time, he expressed the view that the recent positions of the US president indicate a “corridor of relief”, at least about the Greenland issue.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that the European Union, with one exception, has stood by Denmark and Greenland from the very first moment, clarifying that the issues concerning Greenland are exclusively a matter for its inhabitants. At the same time, he acknowledged that there are “strong and justified American concerns” with regard to security in the Arctic Circle, noting, however, that these issues can be resolved “in good faith and within the framework of the existing treaties governing Denmark’s relations with the United States.”

The “Peace Council” in Gaza

Referring to the second main topic of the Summit, the US-proposed “Peace Council”, the Prime Minister noted that both Greece and the majority of European countries have expressed legitimate concerns. He said that the proposal, as presented so far, seems to go beyond the framework set by UN Resolution 2803.

Mitsotakis proposed a compromise solution, according to which the 13 countries invited to participate in the Peace Council could endorse their participation exclusively on the issue of the “next day” of the Gaza peace process and only for as long as required.

“This is a reasonable compromise proposal, which will allow us to contribute substantially to the peace process in Gaza, without creating a new UN that will operate in competition with the UN,” he stressed, noting that Greece has, from the very first moment, expressed a strong interest in the region.

Mitsotakis’ statement in detail

It is not often that an extraordinary summit is convened, but I believe that in this case it was necessary. In recent weeks, there has been significant tension in Euro-Atlantic relations as a result of President Trump’s statements, but I believe that yesterday’s statements show the way to a de-escalation at least on the Greenland issue. The European Union united with one exception in standing by Denmark and Greenland, making it clear from the outset that the issues concerning Greenland concern only its inhabitants. We fully recognize that there are strong and justified American concerns about the security of the Arctic Circle, but these can be resolved in good faith and within the framework of the existing treaties governing Denmark’s relations with the United States, and I believe that we can creatively and productively move in this direction.

On the other issue we will discuss, and I am referring to the peace council as proposed by President Trump, both Greece and the other European countries, with two exceptions, have, I believe, expressed some reasonable concerns, as the peace council, as at least presented by the US, is far from UN Resolution 2803. Nevertheless, I would propose that the 13 countries that have been invited to join the Peace Council should only endorse their accession on the issue of the next day of the Gaza peace process, and for as long as required. I believe that this is a reasonable compromise solution that will allow us to participate in the Gaza peace process. Greece has from the outset expressed a strong interest in the region without at the same time creating a new UN that is in competition with the UN.