ATHENS — "The international convention on the law of the sea is part of Greek domestic law. But it is also part of the European acquis. Greece has also ratified it independently. Greece, in any discussion with any country, is bound by the European acquis, and the EU is also bound by the European acquis," Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said on Friday, commenting on reports made by representatives of opposition parties regarding the exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey, during the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and National Defence on Friday.

"The Convention on Human Rights is part of the European acquis. Can you imagine a European country discussing human rights issues with a third country?" Dendias said adding: "Could France, for example, negotiate with a non-EU country, agree that in their relations, the human rights convention does not apply? That is wrong."

Regarding the context in which Greece can discuss and negotiate, the foreign minister noted: "Consequently, our country, which aspires to be at the core of the historic European venture, is committed to the European acquis, which is also Greek law."