Mitsotakis on F-35s: an alliance cannot exist while Greece faces a casus belli

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a message that, regarding the possibility of Turkey’s return to the F-35 programme, “the sensitivities of all NATO member states must be taken into account” during his remarks upon arriving at the NATO Summit in Ankara.

Without directly commenting on US President Donald Trump’s remarks following his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday, the Greek prime minister made clear that the cohesion of the Alliance depends on respect for good-neighbourly relations and the sovereign rights of all member states.

“An alliance must be based on good-neighbourly relations. Especially when my country is threatened with war by Turkey if it exercises its sovereign rights, we must ensure that the sensitivities of all members are taken into account,” Mitsotakis said, bringing back to the forefront Greece’s argument that a casus belli threat against a NATO member cannot be ignored.

Concluding his reference to Turkey, the Greek prime minister added: “It is always a pleasure to visit Ankara. I have always been a strong supporter of improving relations between the two countries.”

“Greece is one of NATO’s most consistent allies”

At the beginning of his remarks, Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s position as one of NATO’s most reliable allies, noting that the country has fulfilled its defence spending commitments even during the difficult years of the financial crisis.

“We have always honoured our NATO commitments regarding defence spending, even during periods of austerity. Today, we are one of the five countries leading in terms of defence expenditure,” he said.

The prime minister also reiterated Greece’s longstanding support for European strategic autonomy, while making clear that it should not operate in competition with the United States.

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