MR. DELAVEKOURAS: Good afternoon. I’ll start with the Ministers’ programmes.
At 16:00 this afternoon, Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis is convening the National Council on Foreign policy, at which there will be a discussion of current developments in Libya and the Middle East peace process, as well as recent developments with regard to Turkey, Cyprus and the Western Balkans.
Tomorrow, 16 September, Mr. Lambrinidis and Deputy Foreign Minister Dollis will accompany the Prime Minister to New York to participate in the Ministerial Week of the 66th UN General Assembly. The programme for ministerial week includes a number of individual multilateral and bilateral meetings.
Specifically, Mr. Lambrinidis is going to participate on Monday, 19 September, in the UN High Level Symposium on Combating Terrorism, the second part of which – entitled “Promoting dialogue, understanding and countering the appeal of terrorism” – he will address. On Monday evening, Mr. Lambrinidis will attend a working dinner on the situation in the Middle East. That dinner is being hosted by the International Peace Institute (IPI) and the Foreign Ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Luxembourg.
On Tuesday, 20 September, Mr. Lambrinidis will participate in the Ministerial Meeting on Libya, and that evening he will attend a working dinner for the Foreign Ministers of Russia and EU member states.
On Wednesday, 21 September, Mr. Lambrinidis will attend the opening of the General Debate of the 66th UN General Assembly and the speeches of the UN Secretary General and the U.S. President.
On Thursday, 22 September, Mr. Lambrinidis will participate in the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers with the U.S. Secretary of State.
Finally, on 23 September, Mr. Lambrinidis will attend a working breakfast for Foreign Ministers of EU, SEECP, AII and CEI member states. That is being hosted by Serbia.
On the margins of the General Assembly, Mr. Lambrinidis will hold a number of bilateral meetings with officials from other member states and international organizations. So far, meetings have been finalized with UN Secretary General special envoy Matthew Nimetz, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Uruguay, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, China, Russia, Argentina, Israel, the UAE, Jordan, Iraq and Colombia.
During his stay in New York, the Foreign Minister will also attend a reception hosted by the Consulate General in honor of the Prime Minister, and he will also meet with Archbishop of America Demetrios.
On Tuesday, 20 September, Alternate Foreign Minister Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou will meet with a team of 30 German journalists. She will then meet with EU Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn.
The Foreign Ministry’s Secretary General, Ambassador Zepos, will hold consultations today with Afghan Refugees and Repatriation Minister Dr. Jamaher Anwari.
That’s it for announcements. Your questions, please.
G. HADOULIS: What is our position on the recognition of Palestine as a state?
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: Right now, we are at a very delicate stage in the negotiation process. Greece is in ongoing contact with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We had a visit to Athens last week by the representative of the President of the Palestinian Authority, and there is ongoing contact with the EU partners, and the Foreign Minister with Ms. Ashton. Ms. Ashton was in the region in recent days and had some very useful meetings.
Greece’s policy can be summed up right now in two basic points. The one main point is for us to be able to capitalize on developments at the UN General Assembly so that we can generate momentum for the reopening of the peace process. The second main area is the unity of the European Union, and this is of critical importance because the EU has a very important role to play in the Middle East. That is exactly why it is important to speak with a single voice. We need to see what the Palestinian Authority’s decisions will be as to the steps to be followed, and then we will discuss with our partners how the EU can speak in a unified voice. There are still a number of days for talks and consultations so that we can move in the direction I mentioned, and we hope that will happen.
L. BLAVERIS: Mr. Spokesman, I would like your opinion on the goings on in the Middle East. Yesterday drilling began from the Israeli side, heading for the corresponding Cypriot area, for exploration. There is the verbal tension on Turkey’s part. I would like to hear our position: how we are following up on this, how we might react, whether we are going to react, etc. Thank you.
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: Let’s start with the facts: The Republic of Cyprus, in consultation with its neighbours, has moved ahead with agreements on the delimitation of its Exclusive Economic Zone. Within this framework, it is moving ahead with the exercising of its self-evident right, which is enshrined in international law, to explore and exploit its natural wealth. This cannot be called into question by anyone, and it has been set down in the statements of all the international players with an interest in the issue. We had clear statements from the European Union, the United States, Russia. It is crystal clear that what the Republic of Cyprus is doing is compatible, completely compatible with international law and is its self-evident right. Turkey, precisely because it does not have any arguments, is trying to heighten tensions, proceeding to rhetorical threats.
Given the conditions prevailing in our region right now – that is, the heightened instability that exists for a number of reasons of which we are all aware – this is creating even greater tension. That is why we believe that Turkey should acknowledge the reality of the situation: that international law gives this clear right to the Republic of Cyprus. We hope that Turkey will conduct itself soberly and not contribute further to creating tension.
P. PAPATHANASIOU: Mr. Spokesman, I would like to raise two issues concerning bilateral relations. The first is a follow-up to my colleague’s question. Has the recent activity we have observed on the Palestinian issue, with Lady Ashton’s consultations, the upcoming General Assembly, resulted in a shift in Greek-Israeli relations? That’s one part of the question.
Another bilateral relations issue concerns Foreign Minster Lambrinidis’s visit, with the Italian Foreign Minister, to Tirana, where he supported Albania’s European perspective. Has Athens seen any progress in the deepening of democratic institutions by Albania and a change in the respect for the Greek national minority, and thus proceeded to this policy? Thank you very much.
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: Regarding your first question, Greece’s decision to deepen its relationship with Israel was a decision designed to remedy an unjustified void in our relations. Greek-Israeli relations have great potential, and we needed to capitalize on that. From the very outset, we made it clear that this is not directed against any third country. At the same time, we made it clear that this enhanced relationship of cooperation and trust with Israel can also contribute decisively to the efforts being made to resolve the Middle East issue, because Greece has certain characteristics that make it a catalyst in this effort. The fact that we have longstanding, traditional relations of friendship and trust with the Arab world, and in particular with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority. But Greece can also talk openly with Israel so that we can help in the search for consensus and the reopening of the peace process. This is the spirit with regard to the Middle East issue, and we hope in the coming time to be able to contribute decisively to the reopening of the negotiations, always within the framework of the well known principles that – as Greece has declared – remain firm.
With regard to Mr. Lambrinidis’s visit to Albania, I would like to note first that this was a Greek initiative. It was a proposal presented by Mr. Lambrinidis to the EU Council of Foreign Ministers in June. The two Foreign Minister – of Greece and Italy – conveyed a very strong message to the political leadership and to Albanian public opinion. It was a positive message: That Albania can move ahead on its European course. But at the same time it was a message that underscored the responsibilities everyone has for Albania’s taking the necessary steps: moving ahead with the reforms and implementing the twelve points presented by the Commission so that Albania’s European process can start moving again.
There was and is real concern, because the domestic political crisis in Albania was essentially undermining this effort. And that is why the message sent by the two Ministers was so important, as they represented the whole of the EU, which embraced this initiative. We hope this really contributes toward jumpstarting the process so that we can see progress, because this is very important not just for Albania itself, but also for Greece, Albania’s next-door neighbour. It is important that Albania move ahead with these reforms, precisely because they also contain important elements for the Greek minority – elements that interest us very much, as you can understand. The Albanian side is well aware that the barometer in Greek-Albanian relations is the situation of the minority and the defence of the minority’s rights, and we hope to see this in the coming time.
A. ATHANASOPOULOS: Two questions concerning the crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Palestinian issue. The first, on the Palestinian question, is: If the EU fails to achieve a unified position, is the Greek side looking at all the possibilities? And I’m talking about the possibility of abstention in a vote. Second, if Turkey escalates things on the drilling issue, are you concerned about a reflected crisis in Greek-Turkish relations, sparked by Kastelorizo, which is in the wider area, and will you look at the possibility, in such a case, in collaboration with Nicosia, of invoking the Lisbon treaty’s mutual assistance clause? And, third, is there anything new on the Skopje issue? Why are we seeing Mr. Nimetz if there is nothing new? Thank you.
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: On the Palestinian question, I want to say that the consultations currently underway are at a very delicate stage. We believe that it is in the interest of all sides to avoid moving in the direction of a rift in New York. There is no point at this time, when the Palestinian Authority has not yet decided what its next steps will be, in my going into hypothetical scenarios. But I say again, there really is the potential for this discussion to move ahead, and we hope that happens. We will do everything in our power and use all our contacts to make this a reality.
As for Turkey’s actions, as I said earlier, Turkey, not having any arguments, is choosing the path of escalation and tension through successive statements in a very hostile tone. Greece has no reason to follow suit in this effort to escalate the situation, precisely because Greece relies on the strength of its arguments and the fact that its positions are fully covered by international law. That is our thinking. Beyond that, as you can see, the Greek Foreign Ministry and the Greek government are obviously obliged to analyze all the facts and prepare accordingly.
On the third issue, the meeting with Mr. Nimetz is taking place because the Minister will be in New York and it is a good opportunity to have a talk with him, look at where the negotiation process stands, and look at how we can move ahead to the desired result, which for Greece is the achievement, as soon as possible, of a solution on the chronic issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. But for this to happen, as you can see, the leadership in Skopje will have at long last to show a willingness to really negotiate so we can reach a solution. Greece has made very constructive proposals and has shown everyone its readiness for a solution and a specific name with a geographical qualifier for use in relation to everyone. So, the leadership of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia need to show that they too have the will for us to achieve a solution.
G. HADOULIS: Given the extensiveness of Mr. Lambrinidis’s trip to the U.S. – you said Los Angeles and San Francisco – I wonder whether there isn’t also a business dimension to this trip, with the possible aim of expanding the interest of the Greek American community in investment or participation in the Parliament’s bond, announced some time ago. And we don’t have much information on how the bond issue is developing. Thank you.
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: As I said, he will have meetings with political and economic figures and, obviously, with representatives of the Greek American community, which is very active on the west coast of the U.S. And he will have the opportunity to discuss all the issues, to brief them on the efforts Greece is making on economic and foreign policy issues.
F. PAPATHANASIOU: On the Middle East Issue, the Israeli media are reporting that Mr. Netanyahu talked to the Prime Minister yesterday and they discussed the situation that is being created. Is Athens thinking of intervening in some way, now, ahead of …, or within the framework of the presence of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister and within the framework of the meeting they are going to have with Mr. Erdogan and Mr. Netanyahu?
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: First of all, as far as I know – I’ll have to check this with the PM’s office – that talk hasn’t taken place yet. But they will have the opportunity – today, I think – to discuss all of these issues. I say again that Greece’s position is a position of responsibility, and we have a duty to promote that position. Our position is that there needs to be stability in our region, precisely because this is a very delicate time. This effort to escalate tensions is dangerous, and that’s why it needs to stop. We believe that there is a need for understanding, for diplomacy. That is our position, and we want everyone to conduct themselves accordingly.
S. RISTOVSKA: Mr. Spokesman, you are always talking about Greece’s red lines. Last week, at the celebration in the central square in Skopje, Mr. Gruevski talked about the red lines, among other things. How do you see things? The red lines of the one side and the red lines of the other side? Are these red lines close enough for us to hope to reach a solution soon?
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: Greece has taken huge steps in this process from the beginning; the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has not followed suit. And this is exactly why the international community acknowledges Greece’s readiness and constructive attitude, on the one hand, and, on the other, the fact that the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia side needs at long last to take corresponding steps. The EU and NATO have made it clear that we have to reach a solution.
Greece supports the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s Euroatlantic course and perspective and has stated repeatedly – and we mean this – that we will be Skopje’s closest ally when this process begins. But this has to be based on firm foundations, on good neighbourly relations.
That is why – and we want this to happen soon – we need to reach a solution on the name issue, and that is why we are waiting for the other side to show the corresponding willingness. The fact that we have constant provocations, which are divisive in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia itself, like the raising of statues, essentially creates a climate that is not conducive to the achievement of progress, and this has to change.
The Greek Prime Minister took the initiative to meet repeatedly with his Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia counterpart precisely so we could create another climate in our relations, which we believe is necessary. This is what we want and we are doing it, but there needs to be a response from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia side.
S. RISTOVSKA: So, for there to be a solution, if I understand correctly, we need to accept Greece’s red lines, right? Greece …
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: Greece’s proposal is a constructive proposal. A name with a geographical qualifier for use in relation to everyone. A geographical qualifier, because the reality of the situation needs to be represented, and that reality is that Macedonia is a wider region, the largest part of which lies within Greece. Another section lies in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and another section in Bulgaria. That is why there needs to be a geographical qualifier that expresses this reality clearly. And it needs to be used in relation to everyone because otherwise the present situation will be perpetuated, and we have the experience of the violations of the UN Security Council resolutions and the Interim Accord between the two countries. We cannot continue in that direction. We need to reach a solution that will allow us to truly develop the potential of our relations – and, believe me, that potential is great. There is tangible proof of this. We want to invest even more in this relationship, but this relationship has to be based on clear foundations: good neighbourly relations.
L. BLAVERIS: Mr. Spokesman, I would like a comment on whether the Greek side, the Foreign Ministry, is concerned at the activities of elected Greek MPs and Mayors who are involved in anti-Greek activities that have developed recently. A second comment, Deputy Prime Minister Pangalos said a few days ago in Parliament that there shouldn’t be a Turkish consulate in Komotini because there is one in Thessaloniki. I would like your comment. Thank you.
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: I will not comment on the positions expressed by Greek MPs. As for the operation of the Turkish consulate in Komotini, what I want to say is that it is obliged to respect international conventions, it is obliged to respect Greek law, and it is obliged not to cause a sensation in the local society. This is obvious, just as it is obvious that when Greece sees these obligations not being met, it brings this to the Turkish side’s attention in a clear manner.
K. FRYSSA: I would like to ask what our red lines are as concerns Turkey’s provocations if this tension continues in the Eastern Mediterranean and particularly in Cyprus.
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: We are once again getting into scenarios and hypothetical situations, which I don’t want to do. I think I was very clear that this conduct on the part of Turkey jeopardises the whole region, and that isn’t in anyone’s interests. We expect Turkey to respect international law, as it is obliged to do. International law is very clear in its provisions, which need to be respected and implemented by Turkey.
A. ATHANASOPOULOS: Back on the Skopje issue, do you know – though you may well tell me this is not within your purview – whether there will be a Papandreou-Gruevski meeting in New York?
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: As I said, the Prime Minister’s itinerary will be announced by his office. But right now I don’t have anything on that.
L. BLAVERIS: As Mr. Fuele mentioned close […] between the two men, with some optimism that by the end of the year …
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: Mr. Fuele paid a visit to Skopje, during which I think he conveyed very important messages to the leadership of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He talked about the need for Skopje to move ahead with the necessary reforms so that it can have a European perspective, and he also talked about the need to resolve the name issue. That is a very clear and strong message, which we hope the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia leadership will hear, because it comes from the European Union itself. The 27 member states have set out their position. What is important for all of us is for this country to move forward, to move towards the European Union, towards NATO. We want this. It is in the interest of the whole region, and that is why there is such an urgent need for the name issue to be resolved. But the other side needs to take some steps.
A. FOURLIS: A clarification: will the Greek Foreign Ministry, the Greek government in general, possibly the Defence Ministry, be in contact on a diplomatic or military level with the Cypriot leadership ahead of the initiation of drilling in Cyprus’s EEZ.
MR. DELAVEKOURAS: Greece is in ongoing contact with Cyprus. We have constant contact on all levels, precisely so that we can have a clear picture and complete coordination, because there really is concern about the conduct of Turkey, which is constantly trying to create tension. And that is why we need to have very good planning and good analysis: so we can be prepared. That is why we will continue – as we have done so far – to be in ongoing contact with the Republic of Cyprus and with all our partners, in whose interest it is to see calm in our region. Thank you very much.
September 16, 2011