JOURNALIST: Minister, we are witnessing an unprecedented escalation of violence in the Middle East. Furthermore there is no immediate prospect of a solution on the horizon. Is Greece diplomatically and operationally prepared to address a further escalation of tension in the Middle East?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The situation in the Middle East is fragile. As the appalling incident at the Gaza hospital demonstrated, there might be a general exacerbation from one moment to the next. What we ought to do is to be fully prepared to deal with any further tension that arises in the Middle East. In terms of diplomacy, we have consistently pursued a principled foreign policy on the Middle East issue, as we do in general. From the very beginning, we have put forward a specific plan to de-escalate the crisis, which included not only condemning terrorism, but also establishing humanitarian corridors, providing humanitarian aid to all vulnerable people, releasing all hostages, not targeting civilians and convening an international summit on the Middle East. Our presence is crucial. On Saturday, the Prime Minister and I attended an international summit in Egypt, which brought together countries from the European Union and the Arab world to discuss ways to de-escalate the situation, while we are organizing the delivery of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. In operational terms, Greece is working on all scenarios, including internal security and the possibility of new migration flows. We are prepared to handle any crisis, as demonstrated by the evacuation of Greeks in Israel, where we were the first country to complete the safe repatriation of its citizens who wished to do so in just four days. We also assisted in the evacuation of foreign citizens from various countries.
JOURNALIST: Our position is clear, we support Israel against the Hamas attack. How can this position not have an impact on the excellent level of relations we have developed with the Arab world?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece pursues a principled foreign policy, which is neither conjunctural nor transactional. One of our fundamental principles is the condemnation of any form of violence or terrorism. In this context, we have condemned from the very first moment the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and recognized Israel's right to defend itself, within the framework of international law. We have a strategic partnership with Israel, which coexists and simultaneously develops with our deep traditional relations with Arab countries. Greece's long-standing position regarding the settlement of the Middle East issue remains the comprehensive two-state solution in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions. Greece has earned international diplomatic capital as a result of its consistent and clear stance, which is highly appreciated by our partners and the international community.
JOURNALIST: Do you believe that the latest developments may jeopardize ambitious strategic projects, such as the IMEC Corridor or even the electrical interconnections of Israel and Egypt with Greece?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The significant India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electrical interconnection are long-term projects that benefit and unite. Our country is at the forefront of the new international trade and energy routes. I do not believe that the Middle East crisis will impede the implementation of these projects, but we must be vigilant to respond rapidly to new developments.
JOURNALIST: Are you concerned about the Turkish president's new anti-Western and anti-American rhetoric?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Every crisis in the Middle East potentially causes shifts in the strategy of the countries of the wider region. Effective diplomacy prepares for every diversification and works on every possible scenario. Over the last four years, we have been pursuing an independent foreign policy, contributing to solutions rather than being the root of problems at the international level.
JOURNALIST: If the friendly attitude demonstrated by Türkiye in recent months is linked to the development of US-Turkish relations, how will this be reflected in the Greek-Turkish dialogue?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I would not like to analyze hypothetical scenarios. It is crucial, in our opinion, that the current climate of calm persists and that the dialogue and cooperation between the two countries continue in accordance with international law and in good faith. Our aim is to proceed step by step on long-pending issues and to prevent crises that may arise from our disagreements.
JOURNALIST: The Political Dialogue and Positive Agenda with Türkiye were launched last week. Was there any indication of how Ankara approaches the issue of the delimitation of the continental shelf/EEZ? Is there a roadmap for these talks?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Both meetings were held in a good atmosphere. A number of mutually beneficial agreements were elaborated in the positive agenda talks. We aim to deepen our cooperation in important areas such as business, tourism, transport, energy, science, agriculture, the environment, youth, education and sports.
During the political dialogue, ways to improve coordination on irregular migration, in the light of the latest developments in the Middle East were discussed. The climate crisis that equally threatens both countries was also addressed, with an emphasis on prevention and civil protection. At a later stage we will also touch on our major dispute, the sole that can be brought before international jurisdiction, namely the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone.
The next step in bilateral contacts will be the November meeting on Confidence Building Measures and the High Level Cooperation Council to be held in Thessaloniki on December 7, with an agenda and composition to be determined by the two Foreign Ministers.
JOURNALIST: There has been a shift in rhetoric and there is the moratorium. Yet, there are serious indications that the Turkish side has not changed its positions. But won’t the improvement of the climate be short-lived unless there is progress on the major issues?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The leaders of the two countries agreed in Vilnius, Lithuania, to pick up again the threads of Greek-Turkish relations and promote our mutual cooperation. My counterpart, Mr. Fidan and I, embarked on a consultation process with a bona fide approach but also with cautious optimism.
Currently, we are in the first stages of this dialogue. After a brief review of our bilateral relations, I believe we all agree that the current situation, marked by a change in rhetoric and a strategic shift towards a peaceful atmosphere in the Aegean, constitutes a significant achievement that is neither self-evident nor easy to accomplish.
From our side, we engage in this dialogue with good intentions and look forward to positive results. In any case, achieving progress on our major issues will require consultative sincerity, consistency in the spirit of détente and unwavering adherence to universal and fundamental values, most notably the rigorous and comprehensive application of International Law.
Our intention is to address our major differences with an awareness of the historical weight of the moment while recognizing their inherent intricacies. But it is paramount that tangible and long-lasting demonstrations of consistency and sincerity precede any further action.
JOURNALIST: There has been criticism that the Cyprus issue has been put aside so as not to disrupt the climate. Can there be a complete normalization of Greek-Turkish relations unless the Cyprus issue is resolved?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Such criticism is entirely unfounded. We collaborate and are in continuous communication with the Cypriot side. Greece always raises the Cyprus issue in all international fora and it is a topic of discussion in talks with Türkiye. We insist on resolving the Cyprus issue within the framework of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council. I believe that improving Greek-Turkish relations can contribute to the resumption of talks so that a sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue can be achieved.
JOURNALIST: Regarding North Macedonia, any positive provisions included in the Prespa Agreement (schoolbooks, statues, etc.) have been effectively stalled, and the non-ratification of the Protocols by the Hellenic Parliament is frequently invoked as a pretext. Is there any planning regarding this issue?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Whatever reservations anyone might have, the Prespa Agreement is a legally binding document that cannot be unilaterally modified. It takes precedence over common law, and creates obligations on the parties involved. The Greek Government will assess the appropriate political timing for ratifying the Protocols, under the self-evident precondition of the full, consistent, and bona fide implementation of the Agreement.
JOURNALIST: Albania seems to not be deterred by warnings to block its European path and keeps the elected mayor F. Beleri in prison. Aren't there other tools to exert pressure on Tirana?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Our position on this issue is clear, and the Prime Minister reiterated it with absolute clarity during his visit to Tirana for the Berlin Process Summit a few days ago. Greece respects the independence of Albania’s Judiciary. However, prohibiting the elected mayor of Himare from being sworn-in is an administrative measure, rather than a judicial ruling. Restricting the political right to be elected is not acceptable by the European Rule of Law. Greece will continue to firmly and persistently raise this issue in all international fora and with governments, shedding light on its legal parameters. It goes without saying that Albania's European perspective goes hand in hand with its compliance with the European acquis and the fundamental principles of the Rule of Law.
JOURNALIST: Regarding Albania, the problem is not just F. Beleri. Will the agreement for referral to The Hague on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the property rights of the Greek National Minority be set as prerequisites for the green light on Albania's accession negotiations?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The protection of human rights and respect for good neighborly relations are fundamental criteria by which the accession progress of each candidate country is assessed. Adherence to the agreement on the delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone between Greece and Albania at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as well as respect for the rights of the Greek National Minority, are obviously issues pertinent to Albania's European path.
October 22, 2023