An interview of the Ambassador of Greece in Cyprus, Mr. Ilias Fotopoulos, to the newspaper “Cyprus Weekly”

Greece is the word


By Annie Charalambous

Athens-born Elias Fotopoulos, a 56-year-old career diplomat who took over Greece’s embassy in Nicosia a month ago, shyly ‘unveils’ himself in an exclusive interview.

The seasoned diplomat believes every posting is different but the one in Boston, US, has certainly left a mark on his life. Especially, the Boston marathon terrorist attack two years ago.

“I must confess I will never forget the terrorist attack in Boston, I was the consul general at the time… I went to the ceremony on foot (from the consulate) and leaving the ceremony I heard explosions and all roads were immediately sealed off and I went back and stayed at the consulate for 42 hours non-stop,” Fotopoulos said.

“Because I had to deal with serious issues such as whether we had any casualties, we had a Greek delegation from Athens, we had Greek Americans taking part and all that. We had no casualties thank God, thank God,” he adds.

Fotopoulos who joined the service in 1988 came over from Montenegro – his first ambassadorial posting – and has also served in North Africa, Germany, Spain and Ukraine.

He is married to Yioula whom he met at the University of Athens during his political science and law studies and they have one daughter, Sofia – a trained lawyer.

Fotopoulos’ father was working in the public sector and his mother – “as most women of that time” – was dedicated to the family.

“I remember that I enjoyed Sunday lunches and festive gatherings with uncles, aunts and cousins at my grandparents’ home.

“In particular, I remember the flavours of the foods and deserts and the other delicacies that my grandmother would prepare for us.”

“Occasionally I also like to cook and in fact this year I prepared the main dish of our New Year’s Eve dinner.”

In his spare time, Fotopoulos likes to work out at the gym and play chess or backgammon.

In the summer, he enjoys snorkelling and always tries to pick places which have wonderful beaches but are not easily accessible.

“I also have a passion for history and I like to read historical books, as reading history is not only a journey in the past, but also gives us answers to questions we are looking for in the present.”

On a philosophical note, the ambassador believes one’s ambition in life depends on his/her general outlook and stance towards life.

“I am lucky enough to come from a country where the values of dignity and solidarity are central in one’s life.”

“Driven by these values, my goal in life is to contribute to society for the attainment of these ideals and to see a world where humans live peacefully, as I believe that is the key for the promotion of the arts and sciences, which constitute the main factors for the progress of civilisation.”

Cyprus friends and political message

Fotopoulos had visited the island back in the ’90s with Cypriot friends form South Africa and says they are still in the faraway country but the friendship is maintained. On the continued division of the island, Fotopoulos said: “As you know, the Cyprus problem and Cyprus is part of Greek diplomacy wherever you are. But it is different to deal with the Cyprus problem and Cyprus from various positions, overseas positions, and it is different to be in Cyprus and live it.”

Aware that he is taking over at a time of political developments, the ambassador said this is a challenge on the one hand but also a great responsibility.

“I would say that there is movement, the (UN-brokered) peace talks have started and I hope that a settlement will be reached, a settlement that will be viable, functional and stable – stable in the future, too, and I stress this.”

The solution should be within the framework of UN and EU principles, he said before adding that Greece – a guarantor power – cooperates closely with Cyprus and President Nicos Anastasiades.

“(Greek Foreign Minister) Mr Kotzias has stated that as long as we want an overall settlement this means that all Turkish troops should withdraw from Cyprus and the guarantee system should be fully abolished.”

“We are waiting for Turkey’s reaction on this. And I hope Turkey clarifies its position on these two crucial issues soon.”