JOURNALIST: Based on the European Council decision, the issue of the new EU coast guard will be discussed again in six months. If the partners agree to interventions without the consent of a member state, will we veto the decision?
N. KOTZIAS: Greece is always in favor of the development of a democratic EU with common borders. Let me remind you that it was we (with my personal participation) who put into the 1999 Treaty of Amsterdam the notion of borders and the provisions for a special EU policy with regard to the islands. Every measure in this direction is welcome, as long it isn’t done in a rush and doesn’t violate the EU treaties – in our case, articles 72 and 79 of the Lisbon Treaty.
JOURNALIST: Meaning?
N. KOTZIAS: Changes to the treaties are made via a different process from changes to the regulations, like that of Frontex. What can’t happen is for a change to a treaty to be hidden – a change that requires unanimity and an intergovernmental conference – behind the change to a regulation. I think everyone will see that.
JOURNALIST: Will the trilateral meeting in Chios, between Germany, Turkey and Greece, take place in the end? Do you want the EU to be present at that meeting, Juncker or Tusk?
N. KOTZIAS: There needs to be a special discussion between the country from which the refugees come to the EU, the main reception country, and the country where most of the refugees end up. This discussion can take place on a Greek reception island, such as beautiful Chios, together with a visit to the other side, Izmir. Certainly, in such a discussion, which will concern the influx of refugees, it would be good for the EU to participation on the highest level.
JOURNALIST: If FYROM pursues membership in international organizations under its provisional name, what will the government do?
N. KOTZIAS: The neighbouring country must, at long last, meet the demand of the 1995 Interim Accord and contribute to the resolution of the name issue with courage, consistency, more willingness for substantial dialogue, and it needs to show itself capable of the culture of honest compromise. Applying for membership in international organizations doesn’t mean anything. The essence is, under what name it wants to join, on what terms and conditions. Whether, that is, the matter of security and stability in the region has priority for FYROM, or whether it will continue to be guided by groundless provocative irredentism. We will note developments and always act based on national interests and historical truth.
JOURNALIST: There is international optimism that the Cyprus issue will be resolved within 2016; an optimism that the UN Secretary General’s special adviser, Espen Barth Eide, seems to be fueling. Do you share this optimism?
N. KOTZIAS: My philosophy is that of historical optimism. At the same time, of course, I am a realist and a pragmatist. There is, of course, a mistaken exaggerated optimism that is used as a tool for substituting for substance in negotiations or to hide problems and contradictions. I will see Mr. Eide in the first week of the new year. He must not forget for even a second that he represents the UN Security Council and that his every move must be aimed at implementing the Security Council’s resolutions.
JOURNALIST: Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the government to recognize the Palestinian state. Will you respond, and when?
N. KOTZIAS: As the Foreign Minister, I support this resolution, and as an MP I will vote for it. It is a symbolic move, but at the same time it is a move that substantially supports our position that the resolution of the Middle East problem lies in the creation of two states that will live in peace and security. Where each side will recognize the rights and special characteristics of the other side. Greece is pursuing a mediating role between the two sides, and our every diplomatic move contributes in such a direction.
JOURNALIST: Can the government of a 153-MP majority pass and implement the memorandum?
N. KOTZIAS: If our people wanted other governmental configurations, it would have chosen so. Of course, all of us are aware that special interests and foreign interests want other solutions than those provided by our people. Our governmental duty is to do our job well, without a lot of talk, calmly, with composure, seriousness and effectiveness. Our job is to implement the agreements with the institutions, the logic of which I do anything but endorse, and, at the same time, to promote our own programme for social relief and justice. As well as a plan for economic and social reconstruction. Regarding the latter, some steps have been taken, but we still have a lot of work to do.
December 28, 2015