Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Stavros Lambrinides assured that Greece would stand by Cyprus in case Turkey decided to attack, due to the launching of explorations for hydrocarbons in Cyprus` exclusive economic zone.

Lambrinides noted that the Eastern Mediterranean does not need a “gendarme“, especially one who, instead of implementing international law, is the first to violate it.

In an interview with a Greek newspaper, Lambrinides said “solidarity among partners, in case of an attack against one of them, emanates from the Lisbon Treaty as well.“

“The artificial exacerbation of the debate, each time Turkey unleashes rhetorical threats, is wrong. Turkey is pursuing to militarise the discussion because it has not arguments,“ he pointed out.

Regarding Turkey`s explorations around Greece, Lambrinides said “we will do everything necessary to fully defend our sovereign rights.“