MR. RUBIO, SOCRATES FROM THE PNYX ACCUSES YOU

By Major General (Ret.) K. Ch. Konstantinidis

Mr. Rubio,

Just days after your speech at the Pnyx, where you paid tribute to the principles of democracy and freedom, the U.S. State Department, commenting on the Turkish-Libyan Memorandum, stated:

“We encourage our partners in the Eastern Mediterranean to resolve their maritime differences through good-faith negotiations.”

Does this mean that Greece is being asked to negotiate with those who challenge its rights, on the basis of faits accomplis imposed against it?

Turkey and Libya signed a memorandum that disregards the rights of Greek islands, including Crete, Karpathos and Rhodes. Greece disputes its legality as contrary to the Law of the Sea. Yet, instead of taking a clear position in support of international law, you confine yourselves to general calls for dialogue.

Is this what you call neutrality, Mr. Rubio?

Greece is a steadfast ally of the United States, providing vital strategic facilities, notably Souda Bay in Crete, as well as Alexandroupolis, a gateway to the northbound corridor. Turkey, by contrast, frequently pursues policies that clash with American interests. Yet Washington appears to equate the two sides when Greek rights are at stake.

We are not asking you to replace international justice. We are asking you not to equate the law with unilateral claims — in other words, not to equate the victim with the aggressor. Dialogue cannot mean legitimizing faits accomplis, nor can it turn a country’s rights into an object of coercive negotiation.

And one more question: would the United States accept two foreign countries arbitrarily reaching an agreement at America’s expense, disregarding its rights? If not, why should such conduct be considered acceptable when Greece is concerned?

Mr. Rubio,

The Pnyx is no place for eloquent words without consistency. It is a symbol of democracy and public accountability, where words must ultimately be judged by actions.

Does that remind you of anything, Mr. Rubio? Socrates did not spare the powerful. He questioned them.

And the question today is simple:

Was your speech at the Pnyx a genuine commitment to the principles of freedom and justice, or merely a ceremonial address?

Greece does not ask for favors. It demands respect for international law and consistency from its allies.

The Turkish-Libyan Memorandum does not become lawful through the silence of the powerful. And Greek rights will not be surrendered through diplomatic courtesies.

Regrettably, Mr. Rubio, your words at the Pnyx raised expectations. The current stance of American diplomacy has brought disappointment.

Socrates from the Pnyx still asks you: Where is the consistency between your words and your actions?

24 October 2026

Major General (Ret.) Konstantinos Konstantinidis
Author – Member of the Society of Greek Writers

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