Athens, Greece. Greece will support Cyprus’ choices on whether to join Nato, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said during a joint press conference with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul. The issue has drawn divided opinions in Greece, including warnings from former prime minister Alexis Tsipras.
Greece’s position on Cyprus and Nato
Gerapetritis said Greece would “naturally support Cyprus’ choices” regarding Nato, adding that Greece believes any enlargement creates conditions for greater resilience and solidarity.
European security and the Middle East
During the same press conference, Gerapetritis said the security of the European Union is inextricably linked to the situation in the Middle East, and added that Greece’s support for Cyprus is tangible through its defence assistance.
He also said Greece does not intend to get involved in the war currently unfolding and called on the European Union to manage what he described as unprecedented situations and rise to the occasion.
EU policy shifts since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Referring to the four years since Russia invaded Ukraine, Gerapetritis said the period has shaken the European Union, acted as a catalyst, and accelerated decisions aimed at making Europe strategically autonomous, competitive and stronger.
Tsipras warns against Nato accession
Tsipras warned earlier this month that Cyprus joining Nato would “only lead to new dangers.” He said Greece should respond to Cyprus’ request for defence support, referring to naval and air assets sent to the island and its vicinity after the island was hit by an Iranian-made drone, and said “we did it right.”
However, Tsipras said it is irresponsible to give a line to media outlets that talk about Greece as a guarantor power of Cyprus and for the activation of the united defence doctrine.
He said the war in the region should not be a reason to abandon the solution to the Cyprus problem or to consolidate partition, and argued it should instead serve as a warning to fight for a reunited and federal Cyprus without guarantors and occupying troops. Tsipras said Cyprus’ accession to Nato cannot bring security or stability to Cyprus.
How do you think Cyprus should weigh security concerns when considering whether to join Nato?
