ATHENS – "The defense our sovereignty and of our sovereign rights is non-negotiable," Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said after the conclusion of the National Council on Foreign Policy meeting on Wednesday, which focused on Turkish violations and a plan for the foreign ministry's new organization.

As Dendias underlined, Greece is responding "calmly and decisively" to escalating Turkish provocativeness in the Aegean and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region. "The country is always focused on international law and international legality," he added.

"We are taking advantage of all diplomatic avenues and raising our partners and allies' awareness [of Turkey's actions]. At the same time, we make clear in every direction that the defense of our sovereignty and sovereign right is non-negotiable," underlined Dendias, noting that Greeks remain united in the face of truly important issues.

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Referring to the Libya issue, Dendias informed the Council that Greece will be joining and hold senior positions in the EU's "Operation Irini" that will seek to enforce the full implementation of the arms embargo on Libya.

"We consider this mission very important for the creation of the necessary conditions for the resolution of the crisis in Libya," Dendias said.

Finally, during a discussion of the new organizational plan for the ministry, Dendias said that he hoped to give Greek diplomacy additional resources that will allow it to soar, adding that the ministry will finally enter the 21st century.