Gerapetritis: The discussion with Turkey cannot include matters of national sovereignty.

In his Friday speech to the parliament, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis made it clear that no matters involving national sovereignty could be the subject of conversation with Turkey.

Mr Gerapetritis was responding to a query posed by deputy Alexandros Zerveas of the opposition Spartiates party.

The foreign minister made it clear that there is "neither a hidden nor open agreement with Turkey for the demilitarisation of the islands or any issue regarding the way the armed forces are stationed in Greece," stating that "issues pertaining to national sovereignty, as well as the stationing of the armed forces in the country can't be the objects of any kind of agreement" .

He made it clear that Greece maintains its rights resulting from international treaties, including the Lausanne Treaty and the treaties of Montreau and Paris for its protection and defense.

Greek military and diplomatic strength is at its highest level, as reported by mr Gerapetritis.