At the United Nations General Assembly, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered a strong call for peace, emphasizing the necessity of Ukraine’s participation in negotiations and condemning the redrawing of borders by force. He also addressed the conflict in Gaza, warning Israel against alienating allies and urging a two-state solution. Mitsotakis further called for increased European defense cooperation and urged Turkey to revoke its casus belli.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate ceasefire and Ukraine’s central role in peace talks are essential.
- Borders cannot be redrawn through force.
- Greece will continue unwavering support for Ukraine.
- European Union needs to enhance its defense capabilities.
- Israel risks losing international support over the Gaza conflict.
- Turkey must revoke its casus belli.
Addressing the Ukraine Conflict
Prime Minister Mitsotakis articulated Greece’s firm stance on the war in Ukraine, stating that any genuine peace process must commence with an immediate ceasefire. Crucially, he stressed that no peace formula would be acceptable without Ukraine being at the negotiating table and without the preservation of internationally recognized borders. "There can be no acceptance under any circumstances of borders redrawn by force," Mitsotakis declared. He reiterated Greece’s commitment to providing unconditional support to Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression, framing the conflict as a fight for freedom, democracy, and the rules-based global international order. Mitsotakis also highlighted the need for the European Union to assume greater responsibility for its own defense, noting Greece’s significant defense spending and advocating for joint European borrowing to finance critical defense projects.
Stance on Gaza and Relations with Turkey
Turning to the conflict in Gaza, Mitsotakis acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense following the October 7th attacks but cautioned that the ongoing war risks alienating its allies. He warned that the continuation of the current course of action would ultimately harm Israel’s own interests and erode international support. Mitsotakis specifically advised his Israeli counterparts that persisting on a path that undermines the potential for a two-state solution would lead to the erosion of international support. He reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to a two-state solution. In a separate but related point on regional stability, Mitsotakis directly addressed Turkey, urging it to revoke its casus belli and emphasizing that dialogue, not threats of war, should guide relations.
European Defense and Global Order
Mitsotakis also called for deeper European defense cooperation, arguing that the EU must play a more decisive role in its own security. He suggested that the time has come for common European defense planning, drawing a parallel to historical moments when crises spurred European integration. The Prime Minister underscored that trust among states is fundamental for Europe’s progress in the face of a changing global landscape marked by challenges such as climate change, migration, and artificial intelligence. Greece, he asserted, stands as a pillar of stability in its region, seeking dialogue and peaceful coexistence while remaining vigilant against threats.
Sources
- Ukraine must be at peace talks, borders cannot be redrawn by force, Ukrinform.
- “Turkey’s Casus Belli Must Be Revoked,” Greece’s PM Mitsotakis Says at UN, GreekReporter.com.
- At UN, Greek PM warns Israel risks losing friends over continued Gaza war, The Times of Israel.
