PM Samaras: A ‘hot incident’ with Turkey would be a very negative development

Mr. Samaras urged caution, patience and perseverance in the handling of this difficult situation.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who is currently in Cyprus to show Greece’s support after the recent Turkish challenges at the Cypriot EEZ, underlined yesterday that “at this time, a hot incident with Turkey would be a very negative development.”

In an interview with “Sigma TV” and the newspaper “Simerini” Mr. Samaras urged caution, patience and perseverance in the handling of this difficult situation.

“We have proactively strengthened our position and our sovereign rights, which are inalienable. We are no longer alone. I believe that there are also others who support our position and I think this is very important,” the Greek prime minister underlined.

Samaras noted that the latest actions by Turkey in the Cyprus EEZ constitute a provocation. “I won’t say they are comparable to the 1974 invasion. We must not give such an impression. Cyprus and Greece have secured a prominent place for the exploitation of the hydrocarbons in our sea zone in the European agenda,” the PM said, adding that it would be “a very good idea” to hold a nationwide meeting for the Cyprus issue.

According to Mr. Samaras, the summit to be held in Cairo on Saturday is crucial. “It’s aim is to build stability in our region and not turn against a certain people. This stability concerns all people and we want it for all the peoples of the region,” he stressed.

Asked about the political situation in Greece, Mr. Samaras replied: “If this trajectory of stabilization and recovery, which is obviously very important for the economy, is disrupted,” then the country will return to the memoranda, to begging and be once again isolated.