Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen MPs,
Our discussion today is important. We have the opportunity to carry out an in-depth analysis of our country’s relations with Turkey and to exchange ideas and views regarding one of our most important foreign policy issues.
The basic axes of this policy are firm, as is what we are pursuing. We want normalization of our relations with Turkey and good neighbourly relations. We want resolution of the Cyprus issue and withdrawal of the occupying forces. We want Turkey at our side as a full member of the European family. Not the Turkey of today, but a Turkey that will move ahead with the bold reforms that are needed. A Turkey that will learn to live in peace with its neighbours.
We are developing our policy through very careful analysis of the new developments that have taken shape and are impacting our relations. In the past six years, Turkey has taken substantial steps. It strengthened its economy. It has made bold moves in its immediate neighbourhood – moves the effectiveness of which will be judged in the future – in many cases making use of the void Greece itself left behind. Efforts to normalize its relations with Armenia, its regional role in the Middle East and the turbulence in relations with Israel, economic ties with Russia and renewed U.S. interest in Turkey’s role are just a few of the parameters we are taking into account and that we need to take into account.
At the same time, we are monitoring developments within Turkey with very close attention. Reforms are proceeding slowly, but they are structural. They are fundamental. They are the structural underpinnings for the building of a new Turkish Republic – a European one, I hope.
Before I brief you on my recent visit to Ankara and the decisions we took there, I would like to talk a little about the framework within which we shaped our policy.
In the policy papers we presented to Parliament, we made clear our desire to establish a climate of mutual trust with Turkey and return to the dynamic and successful policy of 1999-2004.
This desire is based on the principles that have consistently determined our foreign policy in the long term: good neighbourly relations and respect for international law.
Our departure point is the following fact: Greece and Turkey can and need to cooperate in those sectors where collaboration is feasible. Within the framework of the cooperation and understanding we are pursuing between the two countries, we are in no way legitimizing illegal practices or any kind of provocation. Our views and positions differ on many issues, sometimes being diametrically opposed. We are not ignoring this.
With a full sense of the historical landscape of Greek-Turkish relations, we are endeavouring to shape the modern. Via a cautious route, we are trying to point up prospects without ignoring the obstacles.
This process produces results. Significant results. For example, at the most recent meeting of the Steering Committee – in early March – we identified great potential for practical, further cooperation in important “low policy” areas that are nevertheless of high importance. We made progress in the sectors of economy and trade relations and transactions, tourism, cooperation on energy networks, culture, civil protection and disaster confrontation, etc. With my visit to Ankara, we lent these initiatives additional momentum based on clear positions and mutual interests.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen MPs,
Within the framework of the endeavour to promote Greek-Turkish cooperation wherever possible, we have – since October 2009 – pursued the intensification of our meetings with the Turkish side and the concurrent broadening of the scope of cooperation.
My meetings with the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkey took place in a positive climate. There was a constructive exchange of views on bilateral relations, Turkey’s European perspective, regional issues – such as the situation in the Balkans and the Middle East – as well as matters of the international cooperation of our two countries.
We made and announced what I believe are important decisions.
I would like to refer in particular to the decision to set up a High Council for Cooperation between Greece and Turkey, under the Prime Ministers of the two countries. Our aspiration is for this Council to be the basic vehicle for promoting Greek-Turkish cooperation in important sectors, upgrading this cooperation to a ministerial level. To this end, the first meeting of the Council will be attended not only by the Foreign Ministers, but also by the Ministers of Economy, the Environment, Energy, Communications and Transport, Culture and Tourism, Education, and others. The first meeting will convene under the chairmanship of the two Prime Ministers here in Athens, during Prime Minister Erdogan’s visit – at the Prime Minister’s invitation – some time in mid-May. We agreed on annual meetings of the High Council on Cooperation on the level of Prime Ministers, with two meetings on the level of Foreign Ministers so that we can monitor and coordinate the course of our cooperation.
On the margins of the meeting, there will be a business forum that will be participated in by many Greek entrepreneurs. Strong interest has been expressed on the part of the Turkish side.
Regarding cooperation on issues of regional and international policy, we announced the re-launching of political consultations on the level of Foreign Ministry Secretaries General. We expect these renewed, systematic contacts on the highest ministerial level to help, as an initial step, toward understanding on our respective positions on matters of international interest, and perhaps toward identifying potential for joint initiatives on issues being faced by our region.
The exploratory contacts, aimed at delimitation of the continental shelf, are continuing and are being intensified. The next meeting is being scheduled for before the Turkish Prime Minister’s visit. The Greek side will be headed by the very experienced honorary Ambassador Pavlos Apostolidis, who has in the past served as the Foreign Ministry’s Secretary General and head of the National Intelligence Service.
But as we have often pointed out, the exploratory contacts for the delimitation of the continental shelf should not be a perpetual exercise. In contrast, they should have a specific time horizon. Any failure to reach a solution within an appointed timeframe should mean the dispute’s referral to the International Court in The Hague.
Finally, we announced five new confidence-building measures based on the thinking that I have already set out. That is, the intensification of contacts and cooperation between our armed forces in order to improve the psychological climate and communication.
The above decisions and initiatives are developments – and they also set developments in motion. They have added value and will certainly be judged according to their results and Ankara’s overall conduct. They are pervaded by a sincere desire to strengthen the two countries’ spirit of understanding and the prospects for their cooperation on a practical level. I will not tire of repeating the obvious: that this intended cooperation will take place only in those sectors where a coincidence of views and interests is identified.
It is clear that without progress in the area of good neighbourly relations with Turkey, the full and substantial normalization or our bilateral relations is not possible. Conduct that is a violation against our country, that contravenes international regulations, is unacceptable and raises serious obstacles to our efforts toward a sincere and effective rapprochement between the two countries. I stressed this yet again to the Turkish side. We want a tangible response to our efforts to build confidence, and in this context there is no room for overflights, violations, harassment. Our unswerving principle is full respect for the territorial integrity and sovereign rights and responsibilities of our country on the basis of the rules of international law.
Mr. Davutoglu and I exchanged views on the Cyprus issue. Our position is that the talks must continue without losing what progress has already been achieved. A solution to the Cyprus issue must be found by Cyprus. I stressed to Mr. Davutoglu that it is obvious that the solution must allow for the unhindered and effective participation of the Republic of Cyprus in the EU. It needs to fully respect the acquis communautaire. Finally, I reiterated the need for immediate withdrawal of Turkish forces from the island.
With regard to the particularly serious problem of illegal migration, it is obvious that it can be confronted effectively only with the cooperation and assistance of everyone. A substantial contribution from the Turkish side will be important. Our country is hosting joint FRONTEX operations and supports and backs the European initiatives for dealing with illegal migration pressures. We encourage Turkey to collaborate and to get past the counterproductive obstacles and outdated methods it uses. First of all, it has to meet the commitments it has made: full implementation of the Greek-Turkish Protocol on Readmission, as well as conclusion of an EU-Turkey readmission agreement.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen MPs,
During my visit to Ankara, I also had the opportunity to refer to Greece’s backing – and I mean the longstanding backing of Greek governments in recent years – for Turkey’s accession to the EU as a full member. As a state, that is, that will enjoy the rights of an EU member, but that will also meet all of its obligations in accordance with the principles, values, practices and acquis of the Union.
Every state that aspires to EU membership must meet the prerequisites set by the Union. It must satisfy all of the criteria, embrace the EU’s values and principles and prove in practice that it believes in them, respects them and implements them. It is precisely within this framework that we are waiting for Turkey to move ahead with those necessary steps, proving its resolve to move ahead – through deeds rather than words – into the European family and this family’s institutions and values.
A prime requirement for an accession process of this kind is respect for the principles of good neighbourly relations and the peaceful resolution of differences. Turkey has to adapt its conduct towards Greece so that this conduct corresponds to the above basic criteria.
Also within the framework of Turkey’s European obligations is respect for all human rights and the rights of minorities, including religious freedoms. We are monitoring Turkey’s performance in these areas, particularly to the extent that it concerns the rights of the Greek community and its charitable institutions.
We are satisfied at the momentum that appears to be developing in favour of the affairs of the Greek community, particularly in the decisions of international courts. The Greek state intervenes and will continue to intervene – as it is obliged to do – in favour of these cases, assisting towards ensuring the rights of Hellenism abroad.
In the same spirit, we are monitoring, identifying and pointing out shortfalls that exist in the area of respect for religious freedoms, which, like respect for human rights, is a basic obligation of every state.
During my recent visit to Turkey, I had the opportunity, the pleasure and the honour of paying my respects to and exchanging views with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul.
The meeting was, as always, very warm. I reiterated to the Ecumenical Patriarch Greece’s unswerving support and assistance in bringing to the fore the longstanding cases being addressed by the Patriarchate and the need for the immediate resolution of these cases: the issues of ecumenicity, legal personality, the Halki Seminary – issues that I also raised with my collocutors in Ankara. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is an institution precious to Turkey itself. A spiritual beacon that it needs to protect.
We take note of certain steps towards dialogue that Turkey appears to be taking with non-Muslim communities, following the relevant instructions of international resolutions. Of course, we are waiting for tangible results. As we have underscored repeatedly to the Turkish leadership as well, it is time for specific decisions to be taken and implemented, not for declarations of good will and reiterated intentions.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen MPs,
Greek-Turkish relations required method, strategy and clear positions. We need to take initiatives to help shape developments wherever possible, wherever it proves feasible and mutually beneficial.
This policy has vision and a future. But as I have said before, it has limits and rules.
Thank you for your attention, and I am looking forward with interest to hearing your thoughts and views.
April 15, 2010