The southern neighbourhood of Europe and Greece is being shaken by a political earthquake, and the changes taking place were not foreseen by the international community. We found ourselves facing an urgent and unpredictable situation.
Each case is unique, but it was immediately clear that there was a common denominator: the demand of the peoples of the region for more democracy, equal opportunities for progress, development and prosperity.
Under emergency conditions, the government was called upon to manage an international crisis that had the potential to create fallout for Greece.
The first thing we needed to do was ensure that assistance was provided to our compatriots who were in danger. We repatriated hundreds of Greeks from Egypt and Libya.
In tandem, we fortified the country, implementing plans with our partners and allies to monitor potential increases in migration flows.
We demonstrated the importance of Greece’s geostrategic position and multiplied our diplomatic capital
We offered Crete and its infrastructure as the main centre for carrying out one of the largest evacuation operations in modern history. Thousands of Chinese citizens escaped the war zone via our country, and Greek mediation helped bring about the release of three Netherlands nationals – the only Western military personnel captured by the regime – and they were able to return to their country.
We provided military installations for operations involved in implementing UN Security Council resolutions. This was not just fulfilment of our allied obligations, but a conscious choice to protect civilians threatened by the Gaddafi regime in the critical hours of the siege of Benghazi.
At the same time, we invested in diplomacy. We supported the leading role of the UN and kept vital channels of communication open. We suspended operation of the Greek embassy in Tripoli, but we maintained our contacts and were among the first countries to establish a diplomatic presence in Benghazi to communicate with the National Transitional Council. Soon, the Greek flag will once again fly in Tripoli.
Greece’s participation – from the very outset – in the Contact Group on Libya reaffirmed the international recognition of our role.
We have a strong presence in the heart of the Arab world
We have upgraded our institutional relations with the Arab League, where we gained observer status. In Egypt we got an early start on laying the foundations for our relations with the new political leadership. Greek officials were the first Europeans to visit Cairo following the change, and they met with representatives from across Egypt’s political spectrum.
The ‘day after’
The priority in Libya is the normalization of the situation, without reprisals marring the just struggle of the uprising. The country’s natural wealth, which until today was the curse of the people, must become a blessing. Instead of being a means to generate wealth for a few, it needs to become a tool for development for the many. What is needed is transparency, respect for the country’s sovereignty, and proper management.
Greece worked from the very outset for the launching of a credible transition process that would lead to democratic governance. But dealing with the immediate humanitarian needs is the most urgent challenge. In Paris, we announced that Greece is capable, through the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP), of increasing the water supply in Tripoli by 50% in short order. By virtue of its geographical position and infrastructure, Crete remains a point of reference for the international humanitarian effort.
The situation in Syria cannot continue as is
The government is openly attacking its citizens. But violence begets more violence. Experience tells us that leaders who swim against the tide of change will drown in it. We are moving cautiously, because the regional repercussions of the case of Syria have the potential to be extremely destabilizing throughout the Middle East. One thing is clear: The Assad regime, with its policy of oppression and open violence, has taken a path of no return.
The just resolution of the Palestinian issue is more urgent than ever
The perpetuation of the Palestinian problem impacts stability throughout the region. The Palestinians need at long last to obtain their rightful homeland. The Israelis need at long last to live in the conditions of security that are their right. The solution will come from the peace process. At the UN General Assembly, European diplomacy must ensure that instead of conflict, we have a joining of forces. It is feasible.
Greece has traditionally friendly relations with Palestine, and a new, strong relationship of trust with Israel. We are talking to both sides so that the Palestinian appeal to the UN can become an opportunity for a fresh start. Their success will also be our success.
Europe needs to be present the ‘day after’
For democracy to flourish and changes to take root, development and a social dividend need to be felt and enjoyed by all the peoples of these countries. We are not talking about European economic assistance. We are talking about a huge European investment in our southern neighbourhood, with a view to bolstering our own long-term interests. Greece can play a special role in this, and we will pursue that role.
September 4, 2011