Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas, responding today to a current question in Parliament from Independent Greeks (ANEL) MP Notis Marias on German compensations, stressed that the matter remains open for Greece.
“Obviously, Mr. Venizelos raised the issue of German war compensations, and the occupation loan in particular, during his recent meeting in Athens with German Foreign Minister Westerwelle. Mr. Westerwelle reiterated Germany’s publicly stated position.
Mr. Venizelos has requested that the State Legal Service and the Working Group that has been set up, with the participation of all of the involved authorities and services, submit the relevant findings at the soonest possible time.
Because we are now awaiting the choice of the new President of the State Legal Service, as soon as this appointment has been made, the new President will be asked to consider this matter a main priority.
As a legal matter, the issue of German war compensations and the occupation loan is particularly complex and is a subject for study and settlement on the international level, in accordance with the rules of law and order. The pending issue in question exists, and we maintain the right and potential to handle it and reach a satisfactory outcome. Greece never relinquished its claims. In fact, Greece has continually raised this particular issue on the bilateral level.
The claims for compensation and repayment of the loan are not related to, and should in no way be linked with, the fiscal crisis and adaptation programme.
The matter has been raised and will be raised again, as provided for by international law, politically and diplomatically, on a bilateral basis and in a frank and fully documented manner, between friendly partners and allies. We cannot allow the matter to fester in a general political discussion, because this will undermine Greek-German relations.
It will create in the conscience of the Greek people yet another sense of international injustice, it will fuel a conspiracy theory of Greek history and Greek politics, and it will allow for the pointless displays of hyper-patriotism that fuel anti-democratic choices and conduct.
We will document our position and present it, as provided for by international law, in good faith between friends, allies and partners with a strategic perspective.”
July 12, 2013