The leader of the opposition Alexis Tsipras addressed the Parliamentary Group of his party on Wednesday at a scheduled meeting, where he stressed the need to extend talks with Turkey and other neighboring countries in the Balkans. Mr. Tsipras also emphasized the need for SYRIZA to expand its political alliances.
Mr. Tsipras noted the he developments of national issues are “rapid and interesting” and that they must not serve as an excuse for small political gains and conflicts domestically. The SYRIZA leader insinuated that the coalition government was potentially participating in the cultivation of tension in Aegean.
Regarding the seismic surveys carried out by Turkey with the Navy support in the Cypriot EEZ, Mr. Tsipras was careful in noting that the Cypriot sovereignty was being violated and that Greece must stand by Cyprus. Mr. Tsipras stressed that the only solution is to initiate diplomatic talks and to respect international law, rather than taking provocative unilateral decisions.
The SYRIZA leader explained that the Supreme Council of Cooperation is a “vital tool in developing relations between the two countries” and the “the necessary preparation and timing” is needed in order to fully take advantage of it and contribute towards a de-escalation of tension. Mr. Tsipras also expressed his concern regarding the rise of nationalism in the Balkans and the sectarian conflict in the Middle East, stressing the need for peace.
The opposition leader also told his party that political alliances must be formed “without frivolities and without fear”, underlining the importance of creating an inclusive and unifying tradition. Regarding objections to alliances, Mr. Tsipras countered that SYRIZA must be “consistent, yet flexible; stable in our ideas, yet perceptive”.
