Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called on Turkey to abandon its “casus belli” (cause for war) during his weekly social media update on Sunday, where he reflected on his participation in the UN General Assembly.

“I emphasized that we seek good relations with Turkey. But 30 years later, the time has come for it to withdraw the casus belli. The way forward is dialogue, not the language of weapons,” he said.

The casus belli was declared by Turkey’s parliament in 1995 in response to potential Greek expansion of territorial waters.

Mitsotakis noted that Greece is recognized as a force for stability in Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean, an attractive investment destination, and an energy bridge linking the wider region to the rest of Europe.

In his post, the prime minister also addressed the hunger strike of Panos Ruci, stressing that the state must support people in distress, even when they challenge it.

However, he stated that the government cannot interfere with judicial decisions.

“We respect the decisions of the independent judiciary, whatever they may be, without commenting on them. This is what the rule of law requires,” he said.

Mitsotakis further warned that additional delays in the Tempe investigation could result in the statute of limitations expiring for certain offenses, “which would be the ultimate disrespect to the memory of the victims.”

Source: Ekathimerini.com