JOURNALIST: With your Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, you were tasked with exploring whether the conditions are in place for the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf. What does this exploratory process involve, what is the timeline and what is the procedure that will be followed?
G. GERAPETRITIS: It has been roughly 15 months since the leaders of the two countries decided to initiate a structured dialogue between Greece and Türkiye and to set our bilateral relations on a different path. Step by step, we have achieved a certain level of trust, with open channels of communication to prevent crises. Cooperation on migration, civil protection, and the positive agenda has brought tangible results, while violations of our national airspace have been effectively eliminated. This climate reasserts our will to contribute to establishing calm and security in our neighborhood, which, let us not forget, is currently in the midst of two wars.
At the moment, the two Foreign Ministers have been instructed to assess whether the conditions are in place in order to proceed with substantive discussions on the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone. These conditions relate to the content of the discussion, which may concern only this particular issue, the general principles that will apply to the delimitation - namely, the full implementation of international law - the timeline, the dialogue format, and the possible referral to international jurisdiction, which could be the end point of this process based on a special agreement. I will have the opportunity to discuss these matters with the Turkish Foreign Minister during his visit to Athens, likely in November.
JOURNALIST: Are we talking about a continuation of the previous exploratory talks? Also, if the two sides have not settled the issue of territorial waters, then on what basis will we discuss the EEZ? On the basis of 6 nautical miles, 12 nautical miles, or something in between?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The discussion does not involve the issue of territorial sea, which, as a matter of sovereignty, lies entirely outside the framework of the Greek-Turkish dialogue. The extension of territorial waters is a sovereign and inalienable right of the Hellenic Republic, to be exercised in a manner and at a time that is deemed appropriate. If an agreement on the framework of the delimitation is reached, the two leaders may, if they deem it appropriate, give a specific mandate for in-depth talks to begin, during the High-Level Cooperation Council, which is scheduled to take place in January in Ankara. If the two sides cannot agree on the framework, the discussion on the delimitation will not proceed, and we will strive to maintain the relatively positive climate.
Regarding the exploratory talks, let me put it simply: we do not intend to enter a 65th round. After 21 years and 64 rounds of exploratory talks, we have not even been able to make progress in the discussions with Türkiye on the procedure, let alone on the substance. And unfortunately, we often found ourselves in a worse position at the end of each round than we were at the start. History has shown us that when it comes to complex foreign policy issues, inaction is usually detrimental. Only action produces benefits.
JOURNALIST: What issues is Ankara raising? We have seen over the recent months that Türkiye, despite the calm waters, has not backed down from its maximalist positions, especially regarding the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, which in fact it actively defended last July.
G. GERAPETRITIS: We never expected Türkiye to abstain from its fundamental positions and claims, which have been developed over decades. It would be particularly naive to believe that – and, I assure you, we are far from that. After all, the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good-Neighbourliness, which was signed by the two leaders in December 2023, explicitly states that the two sides do not renounce their basic legal positions. The difference is that Greek positions are based entirely on international law, particularly the Law of the Sea, and for that reason, we insist on its strict implementation. Greece has never recognized, and will never recognize, Turkish claims such as those arising from the illegal and null and void, Turkish-Libyan memorandum.
JOURNALIST: Is there a real possibility of reopening the Halki Theological School? Has Türkiye asked for anything in return?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece does not conduct a transactional foreign policy, but a foreign policy based on principles and values. Therefore, in exercising our sovereignty, and with respect for the rule of law, we ensure the unobstructed practice of religious worship for all religions and the restoration of all monuments of particular cultural value, including Ottoman monuments. The reopening of the Halki Theological School is not a bilateral issue but a universal demand for respect of religious freedom. If it goes ahead, it will be a gesture of substance and of high symbolism – and we will welcome it.
JOURNALIST: Is there currently a political atmosphere in Greece that allows for a discussion on compromises in Greek-Turkish relations?
G. GERAPETRITIS: There is no need for compromise to support our positions, because they are based on international law. In politics, and especially in foreign policy, there are always two paths. One is the path of rhetoric that seeks to be convenient and pleasing, and the other is the path of honesty that respects the truth and aims to do what is beneficial. The government's choice, and hopefully that of the entire political system, is the latter path. We have the knowledge, the confidence and the prudence to engage in dialogue with Türkiye. Moreover, we have a very strong international capital, which we have earned through our consistency and our unwavering stance in favor of the universal implementation of international law. For this reason, the current period is a good opportunity for Greece to be actively present on the international stage and to engage in bilateral discussions on difficult issues. I also feel that society in its majority shares this approach, understanding the value of long-term peace and stability, especially when our region and the world at large are plagued by wars and asymmetric crises. This government has demonstrated that it is here for the tough challenges.
JOURNALIST: What will happen with the marine parks and the Great Sea Interconnector between Cyprus and Greece?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The marine parks will proceed according to the initial plan. They will be implemented following purely environmental, and not geopolitical criteria. Therefore, the technical study for determining their boundaries is gradually progressing. The project for the electrical interconnection between Greece and Cyprus is a Project of Common Interest for the EU, which is co-funding it. This project is extremely important for Cyprus, as it addresses the problem of its energy isolation, but it also has broader geopolitical significance. What needed to be ensured was the project’s financial sustainability. Since the respective political leaderships agreed on its essential economic aspects and the Energy Regulatory Authorities of Greece and Cyprus have worked out the details, now the project can proceed as planned. Greece is not backing down from its initial plan.
JOURNALIST: Is there any room for optimism regarding the Cyprus issue right now?
G. GERAPETRITIS: There is no doubt that the informal meeting this month between the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot leader is a positive development. We have made a great effort, in close cooperation with Nicosia, to make the Cyprus issue a major priority for the UN. The fact that there has been an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations has admittedly created better conditions for the resumption of discussions. Only through productive dialogue can we achieve a viable solution, of course, within the framework of the UN Security Council Resolutions. A discussion cannot end unless it begins.
JOURNALIST: Albania has been invited to take the next steps that would bring it closer to EU accession. Is there room for improvement in Athens’ relationship with Tirana?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We are neighboring countries, and it is in the interest of our citizens to work toward the improvement of our relations. The launch of negotiations on the first package of accession chapters, which concern fundamental rights and the rule of law, is part of this effort. Greece will closely monitor the evaluation, particularly the part concerning strict adherence to the EU acquis and respect for minority rights, which are pillars of the rule of law. An Albania that is more closely aligned with the EU will be a better neighbor for Greece.
JOURNALIST: In contrast, North Macedonia’s path to the EU has run into obstacles that are not related to the Prespa Agreement. Are you concerned that the current government in Skopje, which promotes the interests of third countries in the region, could further destabilize the situation?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Bearing in mind the region’s particularities and history, we consider support for the European vision of all Western Balkan states, including the Republic of North Macedonia, as the only viable path. Greece, after all, paved the way for the 2003 Thessaloniki Agenda. Of course, an essential condition for this path is the full respect of international law by every candidate country, and, for North Macedonia specifically, the full and in good faith implementation of international agreements, particularly the Prespa Agreement. A selective implementation of international treaties undermines the regional and international security architecture and cannot be accepted by the EU.
JOURNALIST: How do you assess the situation in the Middle East? Given Greece's upcoming term on the Security Council, do you believe that the delicate balance Greece will have to maintain in 2025 and 2026, could harm its strategic relationships with, say, Israel?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We are extremely concerned by Iran’s attack on Israel - which we condemn in absolute terms - and the spillover of hostilities in the Middle East. It is crucial to avoid further escalation that could lead to a full-scale conflict. Our country, conducting foreign policy based on principles, particularly the faithful implementation of international law, engages in dialogue with all parties and is a pillar of stability in the broader region. It is essential that we exhaust every possible diplomatic option for achieving peace as soon as possible. This is what we will strive for through our participation in the UN Security Council during the 2025-2026 term. It is a major challenge, but also a great responsibility. Without compromises, but with knowledge and confidence, we strengthen Greece's position in the world.
October 6, 2024