E. VENIZELOS: Today’s International Conference on Libya, here in Rome, is of very great importance for all the Mediterranean countries, for our wider region. We are a neighbouring country. We have helped Libya in the difficulties it is going through; difficulties that, unfortunately, are continuing.
We want a stable situation, a democratic Libya, a Libya with a Constitution. We want a Libya that controls its territory, that is not in danger of losing its territorial integrity, that controls the sources of natural wealth.
So Greece’s participation in this Conference, which is happening for the first time, gives us the opportunity for stronger and more practical contact on the bilateral level. As you can see, this interests us because there is always the major issue of maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean. Because there is always the potential of the Greek business presence in the region.
JOURNALIST: Mr. President, this Conference is taking place at a critical turn of affairs with regard to developments in Ukraine. But you did have a meeting with your Turkish counterpart, Mr. Davutoglu.
E. VENIZELOS: The truth is, this Conference is on a very, very serious pending issue in North Africa, in the Mediterranean, which is Libya. Because the situation has to be stabilized and a recycling of the crisis must be avoided.
The Ukraine issue is being discussed very intensely on the margins of this Conference. In the bilateral meeting I had with Mr. Davutoglu, the main subject of our discussion was Ukraine. I was there this past Sunday, and he had visited Ukraine as well. We had the opportunity to exchange impressions from our talks with the new Ukrainian authorities.
There is a Tatar minority, which is of great concern to Turkey, just as we are naturally concerned about the Greek community, the community of Greek origin, which has a very strong presence in eastern Ukraine, centered in Mariupol. In fact, our Consulates General in Odessa are responsible for the region of Crimea, and this is something that we can use, in accordance with the provisions of international law and consular practices.
Naturally, I had the opportunity to exchange views with other colleagues of mine as well; with my colleagues from Germany, France, the U.S.
JOURNALIST: We saw a snapshot with Mr. Kerry at the meeting, before the Conference started.
E. VENIZELOS: Which did not just have political content – it was also of a personal nature. But in any case, what is important is that we always use such meetings, and I would like to hope that we will have the opportunity to exchange some thoughts with Mr. Lavrov, as well, following the Conference, because the situation definitely has to be brought under control. The crisis must not be allowed to escalate.
Thus will there be a better evaluation of the decision of the Crimean Parliament, which must always be appreciated within the framework of international law. Because only when you have a policy of principles can you have results, with the aim of preserving the peace, stability and security of the region. This also interests us for the Greek community of Ukraine. We are watching out for their security and prosperity.
JOURNALIST: Regarding the Kerry-Lavrov bilateral meeting, are you optimistic that it will take place? And in general regarding the continuation of the dialogue? Because what everyone is saying at this stage is that it is important for the dialogue to continue.
E. VENIZELOS: I don’t want to make a comment on that. My European colleagues who represent the guarantor powers of Ukraine – because Ukraine has guarantor powers based on the 1994 Budapest Memorandum – conveyed to me a message of very cautious optimism. That a process of contacts has begun and might lead somewhere – If not to the calming the situation, at least to control of developments.
March 6, 2014