M. Varvitsiotis: Fearmongering could prove more dangerous than the pandemic
- What is your view of the EU's reaction to the pandemic? And how do you respond to the opposition's criticism of the management of the health crisis?
The EU enjoyed five major achievements in 2020. In addition to the Recovery Fund, the Brexit deal and the Enlargement, coordinated actions were taken to respond to the pandemic, and progress was made in the single procurement and provision of vaccines. The EU funded the research into the production of vaccines and managed to secure quantities of all the vaccines sufficient to cover the needs of all European citizens. If the EU had not taken coordinated action, then vaccination in Europe would have been delayed and would have been subject to infighting among the Member States. As regards the opposition's criticism, I refer them to the data that the Prime Minister presented to Parliament yesterday, proving that our country’s image is the best among European countries, together with Finland. Fearmongering could prove more dangerous than the pandemic!
- In the midst of the pandemic, how do you see the economy taking shape in the day after?
The Recovery Fund is undoubtedly a key tool for the future of the economy. I must reiterate that, through our tough negotiations in Brussels, Greece was one of the major victors, having secured EUR 72 billion. This is a gigantic package and its use is the great wager for guiding the country out of the health crisis and for changing the developmental model. At the same time, through targeted interventions, careful steps and listening attentively to the experts’ recommendations, we are gradually opening the market, reopening schools and supporting those suffering from the pandemic.
- What is your assessment of Turkey's return to the table for exploratory talks, at the same time as it is trying to raise issues beyond the scope of these talks? How are we responding to this effort?
The agreement to open the 61st round of exploratory talks is definitely a step forwards and justifies our country's commitment to International Law and our belief that disputes between states can and must be resolved peacefully on the basis of international rules. The Turkish side, in turn, can raise any issues it likes. What matters, though, is what Greece accepts. And Greece remains clear on our unwavering national position: we have but a single dispute with Turkey, which is the delimitation of our maritime zones on the basis of International Law. We hope that Turkey will come to the table without maximalist intentions. Otherwise, it will have to shoulder the burden of any attempts to reach agreement collapsing.
-Are we prepared for a scenario where Turkey simply wishes to “round the cape” of March, so to speak, before returning to aggressive actions?
I would not wish to pre-empt the outcome of the talks. We are coming to the dialogue table in good faith and with a view to achieving a framework for a long-term, sustainable understanding with Turkey. However, we remain pragmatic and prepared for all possible scenarios. If Turkey does not intend to apply International Law consistently, then we —and others — will clearly have to adjust our attitude. Any dilatory policy by Turkey will certainly be viewed accordingly by our European partners, who have decided to assess the overall relationship between the European Union and Turkey. However, let me be clear. This process of evaluation is dynamic; it will not end at the Summit to be held on 25 March. If, after its conclusion, Turkey resumes its provocative conduct, it will obviously be met with a Greek reaction and we will endeavour to see that it is met with a corresponding European response, as well.
- In the context of this activity, should we be expecting developments as regards the Cyprus issue in the coming weeks?
Greece has always worked towards developments for the resolution of the Cyprus issue, which was and remains a top priority of our foreign policy. in this context, our country is supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to restart negotiations with a view to achieving a fair, comprehensive and viable solution on the basis of a Bicommunal, Bizonal Federation, as set forth in the relevant Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and in accordance with the EU acquis. There can be no solution to the Cyprus issue without the elimination of the anachronistic system of guarantees and third-country rights of intervention in Cypriot affairs, and without the withdrawal of the occupation forces.
January 16, 2021