Alexis Tsipras Criticizes U.S. Response to Turkey Cable Dispute

Opposition leader Alexis Tsipras criticized U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for refusing to publicly address Turkey's objections to a planned undersea telecommunications cable. Speaking at a conference organized by To Vima, Tsipras characterized Rubio's decision to discuss the matter privately as a "Pontius Pilate" stance and a failure to confront a "flagrant violation of international law."

Tsipras argued that international law does not require permission to lay cables across a continental shelf. While the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis maintains that relations with the United States are at their strongest, Tsipras warned that the U.S. is the primary beneficiary of the current diplomatic engagement, pointing to $4 billion in announced arms sales.

Additionally, Tsipras questioned the decision to host Rubio's speech at the Pnyx in Athens. He suggested the Greek government would be responsible for the consequences if the address takes an ideological tone.