ATHENS – A senior diplomatic source sent a clear message that the “sensitivities” of third countries do not constitute a right, in the wake of comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection – the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) – during his visit to Athens.
Referring to energy interconnection projects and clearly pointing to the GSI, the U.S. Secretary of State had noted that these projects are complicated by the sensitivities of other countries in the region.
Asked to comment on the statement, the senior diplomatic source was unequivocal: “Sensitivity does not also mean a right.”
The remark carries particular weight as it reflects Athens’ position that the reactions or “sensitivities” of third countries regarding the electricity interconnection cannot create rights or restrict rights arising from international law.
U.S. commitment to GSI and ‘private diplomacy’
Regarding the U.S. position on the project, the senior diplomatic source pointed out Rubio’s repeated statements regarding a U.S. commitment to energy interconnection projects.
It was noted that Washington’s position in favour of the project is clear, while the U.S.-Greece relationship and alliance provide the framework within which this commitment is expressed.
Regarding Rubio’s reference to “private diplomacy”, the same source noted that certain issues cannot, by their nature, be made public, as they involve sensitive information and foreign policy and security considerations.
What the United States and the U.S. State Department may do if any issue arises concerning energy interconnectivity is not something that can be publicly disclosed, it was stressed, as diplomacy would come into play in such a case.
Regarding the resumption of work on the GSI, it was clarified that this does not depend on the Greek government or any Greek body. Once the relevant company submits the necessary request, the Greek side is ready to proceed with the required procedures and permits, in accordance with international law, the source said.
Assessment of Rubio’s visit
The senior source’s assessment of Rubio’s visit to Athens was particularly positive. According to the top diplomatic source, the visit operated on two levels: it confirmed the high level of Greece-U.S. relations while also highlighting the two sides’ shared understanding of a number of critical international issues.
It was stressed that a stable channel of communication has now been established between the two governments, particularly between the foreign ministry and the U.S. State Department. Special mention was also made of the personal relationship that has developed with the U.S. Secretary of State, which, as was noted, is based on mutual respect and appreciation.
Rubio’s visit was described as a standalone visit, with the U.S. Secretary of State staying in Greece for two nights.
The talks focused on two main areas: bilateral relations and international developments. The latter included extensive discussions on the wider Middle East and North Africa, Ukraine, international security and freedom of navigation, as well as other flashpoints.
Developments in Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Gaza, the West Bank and Iran were also specifically discussed.
The senior diplomatic source noted that Rubio has an in-depth knowledge of Eastern Mediterranean issues, allowing the discussions to avoid having to “start from scratch”.
