N. KOTZIAS: I think today was a beautiful day here in Crete. We had the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs as our guest. We discussed the issues concerning developments in the region, the war in the Middle East and the refugee problem, as well as the bilateral cooperation between Greece and Turkey. We also talked about EU-Turkey relations as these are taking shape in the wake of the failed coup attempt in Turkey, which we have condemned many times. And I thought it would be right, since the meeting was taking place in Crete, for us to come here, to the place where Zeus was born and where he carried out the great abduction of Europa, showing that we believe that our friends, the Turkish people, belong in Europe and can and must join the EU, if and when all the criteria are met.
As you know, this is also a place to which I have a sentimental link, as last year I came for the naming of the square in front of the path to the cave of “Europa”. This is another indication, first, that the substance and spirit of the mythology and history regarding Europe was born in this place and, second, that Europe came from this beautiful woman from outside Europe and is a symbol of antiracism and multiculturalism in Greek mythology.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Minister, did you discuss the issue of the extradition …
N. KOTZIAS: No, because we have made it clear from the outset with the Turks – we have spoken on the phone many times – that this issue will be settled in the Greek courts, based on Greek and European law, also bearing in mind – when it has been clarified – whether and to what extent they participated in the coup.
JOURNALIST: I imagine you also raised the issue of refugee flows and the possibility of the agreement being overturned. Is this something of particular concern to the Greek government?
N. KOTZIAS: Turkey, as I understand it, wants to keep this agreement. What Turkey underscores is that Europe, too, must keep its side of the agreement. We are taking care – to the extent possible – that all sides comply with what has been agreed.
As you may ask, we also talked about the Cyprus issue. The position I have submitted with regard to the issue of guarantees and the occupation forces is well known. We are seeking a solution, and we will come back to this issue – I will also be seeing my Cypriot colleagues – and I hope it has a positive outcome, but, as I always say, international politics require compromises, but good compromises, not “rotten” ones.
August 28, 2016