JOURNALIST: You are visiting Moscow in order to attend the Russian-Greek Intergovernmental Committee. The agenda mainly consisted of economic issues. What is your assessment of the results of these meetings?
G. KATROUGALOS: Our discussion focused not only on the economy but also on other directions of Greek-Russian relations. As a result, we signed agreements concerning not only customs issues but also the sector of sports. We consider Russia a country to which we are linked not just by friendship, but by brotherly relations. We enjoy very close historical and cultural ties which we plan to further develop. More specifically, a considerable part involves relationships between Russian and Greek entrepreneurs - it is necessary for them to pursue joint activities.
JOURNALIST: In this sense, I have to ask - what is the effect of EU sanctions, which Greece supported, on these activities and the implementation of bilateral initiatives?
G. KATROUGALOS: The sanctions naturally affect our bilateral relations. In general terms, we consider the imposition of economic sanctions counter-productive for the resolution of political differences between Brussels and Moscow. We are members of the European Union and we respect all its decisions. However, we are certain that political dialogue under the rules of international law is the most effective approach to resolving disagreements.
JOURNALIST: At this stage, is the EU in general and Greece in particular willing to initiate such a dialogue?
G. KATROUGALOS: The European Union is heterogeneous. We are living in a politically turbulent time, when various types of occurrences are taking place throughout the European continent. More specifically, there is increased tension in the Sea of Azov which must be analysed calmly and, as I previously mentioned, resolved in compliance with the rules of international law. That is what we’re talking about in the European Union: one of our main goals is the reintegration of Russia in the European security system through political dialogue.
JOURNALIST: This year, Greek-Russian relations were overshadowed by the expulsion of Russian diplomats and the commensurate response by Moscow. In September, Alexis Tsipras stated that Greece and Russia are working towards restoring relations following the crisis. How is this work progressing, and what is your assessment of Greek-Russian relations in 2018?
G. KATROUGALOS: We consider the incident that occurred this summer as an isolated incident that is unrelated to the overall development of relations. We respect the sovereignty of other countries and expect our partners to treat Greece in the same manner. That was the meaning of our message. With Russia having taken this into consideration, we can return to our general interaction and consider how to improve our great relationship.
JOURNALIST: On 7 December, Alexis Tsipras and Vladimir Putin are to meet in Moscow. What do you expect from this meeting?
G. KATROUGALOS: This visit is an expression of the political will of Athens to continue the dialogue with Moscow and maintain its good level. The starting point is a discussion of economic, more technical issues that may take on a political dimension tomorrow. At this level, leaders touch upon a broad range of topics. This does not just concern bilateral relations, but has an international political dimension.
JOURNALIST: Are bilateral events expected to take place next year?
G. KATROUGALOS: Of course. During the current meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee, we agreed that the next such event will take place in April 2019 in the city of Thessaloniki.
JOURNALIST: Russia covers a considerable part of natural gas needs in Greece. Athens insists on joining the ‘TurkStream’ project. How will Greece benefit from this project, given that the country is such an active proponent on the margins of the European Union? How does Brussels react to Greece’s position?
G. KATROUGALOS: Indeed, Russia covers 43% of our country's natural gas needs. At present, Greece is in a process of recovery following a severe economic crisis - we have achieved a growth rate of approximately 2%. One of the comparative advantages of our new economic model is the transformation of Greece into an energy hub. As such, both ‘TurkStream’ and other energy projects in the Caspian Sea and the Middle East are important to us.
Naturally, there are those in Brussels who opposed the Russian plan. Our view is that the standards applicable to Nord Stream must now also apply to ‘TurkStream’. We are in active discussions with Brussels on the matter. However, to be fair, I must say that we are not the only ones engaged in such discussions: Germany is also in active discussions with the European Commission.
JOURNALIST: In 2014, under pressure from the European Commission, Bulgaria abandoned ‘South Stream’ and the implementation of the planned project was postponed. Would a similar scenario concerning the construction of ‘TurkStream’ be likely at present?
G. KATROUGALOS: Our argument in favour of the project is that there is no difference between ‘Nord’, ‘Turk’ and ‘South’ Streams. The uniform law of the European Union should apply equally for all parties.
JOURNALIST: In 2017, at the request of the United States, Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik was arrested in Greece. He stands accused of laundering billions of dollars through bitcoins. Apart from Russia, his extradition was requested by both United States and France. The courts issued a ruling ordering his extradition to Russia, yet Alexander Vinnik remains imprisoned in Greece. What is hindering his extradition to his homeland?
G. KATROUGALOS: Firstly, I must underline that the Court judgement ordering the extradition of Alexander Vinnik to Russia, the United States and France is not political in nature. Greece respects the principle of rule of law and intends to make a final decision on the basis of that principle.
JOURNALIST: Under that principle, doesn't the extradition request of the country of which the defendant is a citizen take priority?
G. KATROUGALOS: It depends on each case. At times, extradition takes place as you described; at others, requests submitted by numerous countries may be examined. For the time being, the Court decided to satisfy the requests of three countries - Russia, the USA and France. And the Greek government must respect the Court judgement.
JOURNALIST: The referendum on the renaming of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM) failed due to low voter turnout. The lack of a new name is mainly an obstacle to fYROM’s joining NATO. How is Athens currently interacting with Skopje on this matter?
G. KATROUGALOS: I wouldn’t say the referendum failed. Indeed, fewer than 50% of citizens voted. However, 90% of voters were in favour of changing the name of fYROM, which, in terms of registered voters, is similar to the corresponding percentage of registered voters who voted in favour of Brexit. However, the main point is that the agreement between Greece and fYROM concerning a change to the name of the Republic is beneficial for both countries: it would resolve the issue pending since the 1990s in such a way as not to undermine the interests of either side. Thus, the document is a key diplomatic achievement on both sides. Under this agreement, fYROM would have to amend its Constitution - more specifically, it would have to change the name of the country and renounce any elements that could make Greece doubt its respect for borders. This procedure would likely have to be completed by late January 2019; afterwards, the agreement would have to be ratified by our Parliament. I have no doubt that this will come to pass.
JOURNALIST: So, was the referendum pointless?
G. KATROUGALOS: I repeat, 90% of voters were in favour of changing the country's name, and their opinion was heard.
JOURNALIST: Tourism is a key revenue for Greece. What is your assessment of the percentage of Russians in the overall flow of tourists visiting your country?
G. KATROUGALOS: Hundreds of thousands of Russian tourists visit Greece every year, and I believe this is a positive trend. I wish the same number of Greeks could visit Russia, a truly beautiful country. Tourism is an important part of our country's economy. Thanks to tourism, we succeeded in mitigating the effects of the economic crisis. However, it also helps people from different countries better understand one another. We have already had good indicators, but we are trying to improve them.
JOURNALIST: What precisely is Greece doing to attract tourists, including Russian tourists?
G. KATROUGALOS: Firstly, we facilitated the visa issuance procedure and increased the number of employees at our consulates in order to keep waiting lists short for citizens. Secondly, we are trying to make our country more attractive, so that tourists feel right at home.
JOURNALIST: Visa issuance is a truly important issue when it comes to tourist exchanges. Until 2014, Russia and the EU were in discussions concerning the removal of visas between them. Do you believe these negotiations could be repeated?
G. KATROUGALOS: This is not within our remit - the issue of the visa regime must be resolved in Brussels, where, at the moment, there is no desire for a liberalisation of the visa regime with Russia. It is my hope that in the future the EU and Russia will be able to initiate a dialogue on the matter - but this greatly depends on the general improvement of their relations. We are working in this direction. As I said, the European Union is our home, but we would like to become a mediator for the resolution of issues between Brussels and Moscow.
December 7, 2018