The Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias stressed that “in the last European council, my colleagues realized that they cannot treat Greece like a pariah-state, because we owe money” and that “owing money is one thing, not taking advantage of and abandoning my rights in the EU is another”.

Mr. Kotzias, who was speaking to the Athens-Macedonia News Agency, further argued that “the European Union is obligated to negotiate” and estimated that Greece has been successful so far, by “restoring the country’s sovereignty and in the sense that each EU member-sate is equal”. Mr. Kotzias noted that his Ministry was overflowed with messages of support, as the recent actions of the newly-elected government has given the Greek people “a sense of dignity, a sense of trust and an air of optimism”.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Greece’s recent intervention resulted in making heard the Greek demand of no further sanctions being imposed against Russia. Mr. Kotzias explained that there is a major concern over the well-being and protection of the significant Greek minority in Ukraine.

In reference to the ongoing military conflict in eastern parts of Ukraine, the Minister added that Greece must not become a part of the problem, but at the same time it cannot cut off its historic ties to Russia. As such, Mr. Kotzias asserted that Greece must play a role in the talks and help promote negotiations for a resolution.