Greek FM said time of 'turning blind eye' is over

"Greece has decided to send a message to the East and the West, toward all its friends and others, that regardless of who is violating the principles national sovereignty and respect toward us, measures will be taken," Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) on Sunday.

"The time when turning a blind eye was considered diplomacy has passed," he added when asked whether he is concerned over the recent strain in Greek-Russian relations after Athens expelled two Russian diplomats and barred entry to another two Russian citizens over alleged efforts to undermine the name deal between Athens and Skopje.

Asked about the possible cancellation of the Russian foreign minister's planned visit to Athens, Kotzias expressed hope that any problems between the two countries will be resolved in an amicable manner.

...