I would like to point out three issues of special interest from the rich agenda of the June Summit.
Firstly, in the discussion that we will have with the Secretary-General of the United Nations it is very important to reiterate unambiguously that the only solution on the Cyprus issue can be found in the context of a Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation, with political equality.
Any discussion related to the establishment of two separate states is rejected as a matter of principle, as it contravenes all UN Security Council resolutions, as well as the EU acquis.
As far as Covid is concerned, we expect the prompt activation of the European Covid Certificate by all member states as of July 1st, to enable the greatest possible convenience in the free movement of people within the European Union. Accelerating the vaccination rate remains the big challenge, as we are now facing the Delta variant, which has already been detected in all countries, including Greece.
I want to repeat a very simple message, sent yesterday by Mr Fauci, the top American epidemiologist: if you are vaccinated, you are safe. If you are not, you are at risk. It is that simple and clear.
Right now there is a surplus of vaccines that are available for all age groups in our country. Once more, I call on our fellow citizens to get vaccinated quickly, so that we can raise an immunity “wall” as soon as possible.
Lastly, as far as Turkey is concerned, I am satisfied with the draft text of the conclusions, as it has been presented. It makes clear that the context to improve EU – Turkey relations is in a phased yet reversible manner, in case Turkey resumes its provocative behavior; it thus reiterates the conclusions of the European Council that took place last March.
On the migration issue, we acknowledge Turkey’s important role in stemming migration flows. We are not against offering additional financing, but with two conditions that Turkey should fulfill without fail. The first is that there should be no instrumentalization of refugees and migrants. The second -obviously- is that Turkey has to accept the return of people who are currently on Greek islands, whose requests for asylum have been conclusively rejected.
