JOURNALIST: I am in the studio with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. George Gerapetritis. I really thank him for coming to the studio after we agreed to talk. This means you can now start sending messages and asking questions. But, Mr. Gerapetritis, I would like to ask you one first question. What is diplomacy? And how does a country's diplomatic policy differ from other policies such as defense, economic, and tax policy? What do you do differently as Foreign Minister?
G. GERAPETRITIS: First of all, I would like to thank you warmly for the invitation. It is a great honour, Mr. Papadimitriou. Certainly, I would prefer to be here not only to interact with your listeners, but also because I have always had a high regard for the radio. You know it is my favorite medium, partly because you focus on what the interviewee says rather than the image. I believe that the emphasis should always be on the substance rather than the appearance.
Regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I believe that the main differentiation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomacy is that it is primarily an exercise in hypothetical scenarios, far more so than any other Ministry. Our daily activities are essentially the development of the strategy based on all potential, possible scenarios. Mr. Papadimitriou, we have renounced the notion that we can anticipate future events. Asymmetry has become a daily occurrence. This is the reason why our first objective is to develop all potential scenarios in order to ensure that our response is immediate, effective, and beneficial.
JOURNALIST: What is predictable is the so-called national foreign policy. Our basic positions are always the same. We are reminded of this especially now, on the unfortunate anniversary of the treasonous coup in Cyprus and all of that. We have observed that standard procedures are present. A few days ago, you informed the party leaders. This was such a standard procedure.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Basic positions however, are related to the national strategy. They have nothing to do with the means by which that national strategy will be served. There are many ways to conduct foreign policy, Mr. Papadimitriou. For example, some countries choose a transactional diplomacy, attempting to maximize the benefits of implementing this policy. I am not a proponent of this policy.
In my opinion, the foreign policy of a country like Greece should be a principled foreign policy. In other words, it should be founded on very specific values, International Law, and moral principles. It should be based on the effort to build international alliances and to maintain the same standard in all circumstances. Why is that, Mr. Papadimitriou, and why are we not attempting to bargain and gain what we can? Because Greece can only benefit from the full and uniform application of the principles and, in particular, of International Law. Mr. Papadimitriou, the concept of the defense of small and medium-sized states against the arbitrariness and power of the large ones has been the foundation of post-war International Law.
In any case, we should strive for a full, uniform, and consistent application of this Law. And you can only do so by applying the same standards. For this reason, I believe that today, precisely because of our sincere principled stance in foreign policy, we have the ability to talk on equal terms with great powers as well as with camps that some might describe as opposing.
JOURNALIST: But if we are committed to upholding principles and encounter someone who disregards these principles, the relationship becomes even more challenging than it was after 1821.
G. GERAPETRITIS: My opinion, Mr. Papadimitriou, is that the relationship is not becoming more challenging. It is becoming easier. Why? Because in foreign policy there’s the bilateral dimension and there is always the multilateral dimension: the international support that you receive.
Therefore, if you have to talk to someone who is simply attempting to accumulate power precisely through an international bargain, you must be able to garner as much support as possible based on the principles that you accept. Allow me to tell you, Mr. Papadimitriou, that my experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the past year has been precisely that. The more we are honest, consistent and useful, the more we gain a foothold.
Let me give you a simple example, Mr. Papadimitriou. We received a huge percentage of votes when we were elected to the United Nations Security Council. Indeed, we had the support of 98% of the world's states. In other words, we received 182 votes in favor out of 190 states - fewer voted in the end. Why? Because from the outset we have adopted a model that does not distinguish between states, but is rather predicated on strategies, policies and ideals. The aggressor, Mr. Papadimitriou, is wrong and the defender must be supported. That is our fundamental principle.
JOURNALIST: Over the last few months, there has been something extraordinary that I personally credit to you, but mainly to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He has finally discovered a way to avoid these continuous tug-of-wars, conflicts, both virtual and sometimes very real, over the Aegean’s airspace, and occasionally at sea. You will tell us what happened in Kasos right afterward. Does the fact that there is this calm mean that those on the other side reckon that we are compliant, we are in a hurry, or under pressure to sit at the table? Are they now playing nice to get us to sit at the table where they will play tough?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I feel that exactly the opposite is true.
JOURNALIST: So, you haven’t agreed with anything I’ve told you, and that pleases me the most.
G. GERAPETRITIS: That is why, Mr. Papadimitriou, there is a deliberative relationship between us. But let me tell you this: My feeling is that Greece currently speaks in terms of power. And I say this in all sincerity. It speaks from a position of strength. Why?
First, because it has acquired a huge diplomatic capital. The diplomatic capital that has been accumulated in the country today is really extremely strong. For a country like Greece, which is not one of the strongest in the world, neither in terms of population nor in terms of its long-standing influence on the international security architecture, what is important is to have a large international capital. We have plenty of that. We are present in all international organisations, we have enormously important strategic relations with major partners, and have established bilateral relations with all of them.
From this, however, emanates an additional collateral power, which yet entirely reinforces our diplomacy. It is the economic and defensive power. Over the last five years, Mr. Papadimitriou, we have built up significant defensive strength. Unfortunately, during the crisis period, there was a significant recession concerning the reinforcement of the Armed Forces both in terms of staffing and infrastructure.
This has been entirely reversed. I believe that we are currently in a position of considerable defensive power, and we have also undergone a substantial economic upgrade. In the sense that we are not currently considered the outcasts of Europe and the globe, but rather an economy in a phase of rapid growth that is, if anything, stable and on an upward trend. Therefore, when we talk about powerful diplomatic capital, economic power, and defensive power, we speak from a position of strength. Therefore, it is not accurate that we are currently weak. It is quite the opposite that...
JOURNALIST: But we will sit at the discussion table.
G. GERAPETRITIS: We are already seated at that table.
JOURNALIST: It is you that initiated these talks again. There was no pressing need to sit at this table and resume discussions with the Turks.
G. GERAPETRITIS: It is a policy chosen by the Prime Minister, Mr. Mitsotakis, after the elections. To sit at the table and discuss with Türkiye. I believe this choice was based not only on the need to have good relations with our neighbor. That is self-evident. Greece wants to have good relations with all our neighbors. But it also rested on a deep conviction that we have only to gain if we manage to have a peaceful relationship. What have we gained this year?
JOURNALIST: Is what occurred in Kasos indicative of these peaceful relations? Many are criticizing you in today’s newspapers and across various comments that we put our tail between our legs. We told the Italian vessel to depart from the area to avoid escalating tensions with the other side.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Nothing could be further from the truth.
JOURNALIST: What is the truth?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The truth is as follows regarding the specific incident and subsequently, if you like, we can have a broader discussion about Greek-Turkish relations. The truth regarding the incident in Kasos is as follows. Greece has to carry out a project which has been approved by the European Union, namely the electrical interconnection between Greece and Cyprus. A project of great importance, allow me to say, primarily for Cyprus, but also of great geostrategic importance. So, this project includes a research stage and the laying of the cable. Regarding research, there needed to be a plan from the side of the Italian ship and the contractors of the project.
JOURNALIST: I suppose other ships will follow, as more research is required.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Certainly. The Independent Power Transmission Operator has undertaken the project. A strategy was indeed developed. The research, Mr. Papadimitriou, was fully completed as planned. That is, there was absolutely no concession in relation to the initial planning. The research took place not only in our territorial waters but also in the international waters of the Greek Exclusive Economic Zone. And so, what happened at this moment is that we highlighted the issue that we can conduct research outside our territorial waters, in our own Exclusive Economic Zone. What happened with Türkiye? Türkiye claims...
JOURNALIST: Did we need to inform Türkiye at some point that such projects as you described would be carried out?
G. GERAPETRITIS: What is happening, Mr. Papadimitriou, is the following. Türkiye considers that it has sovereign rights in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean on the basis of the “Turkish-Libyan memorandum” from four years ago, which is illegal and null and void. It does not produce legal results, yet Türkiye itself considers it to be the basis of its policy. Therefore, from this reason, it believes it draws rights and wanted to send the message that in this field no research can be conducted by Greece or Cyprus. In this, we are uncompromising. We declared that the research will continue and be completed. And that is exactly what happened. I want to remind you that in similar cases in the past we came to the brink of armed conflict. There was a very high tension, a crisis that led the two fleets to be found entirely in the waters of the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
What happened in this case, Mr. Papadimitriou? Within twenty-four hours there was absolute decompression. There was no instance during this twenty-four-hour period of any crisis being created. The monitoring ships never came close. There was no risk of a “hot incident”. And at the end of the day, the research was completed. If you allow me, not only is this not a conciliatory stance, but it is the exact opposite. The beneficial result was absolutely produced, according to the original design of the contracting company. Additionally, we made our statement that it concerns our own Exclusive Zone. Regrettably, Mr. Papadimitriou, I must say that a segment of the press is misleading public opinion with falsehoods…
JOURNALIST: There are people who have a different opinion from yours.
G. GERAPETRITIS: But it is not about the opinion. You know, I am, by conviction, a very deliberative and tolerant person. I have predominantly acquired this through my academic capacity. You cannot teach tolerance and then not tolerate criticism yourself. Quite the opposite, I am extremely tolerant. I can accept any evaluation from anyone. Can someone describe me with terms that are exceptionally harsh? I will accept it, Mr. Papadimitriou.
One thing I cannot accept is the spread of falsehoods, which poison public opinion. Because what happened in the case of Kasos was that a segment of journalists, as I would describe it, which, in my humble opinion, consciously sought to mislead public opinion in Greece. Saying that the ship withdrew without conducting its site-survey, that there was a threat from Türkiye, and that Greece backed down. In all three aspects, there are rampant falsehoods. Because the research was completed. Because there was never any tension. And because everyone knows that we are currently in a phase where we can support all our rights beneficially and effectively.
JOURNALIST: Criticism, or at least questions, have been raised in a more direct or indirect way about the foreign policy followed by the current government, even by people who are respected, such as the former Presidents of New Democracy and Prime Ministers, Mr. Kostas Karamanlis and Mr. Antonis Samaras. You, of course, as Foreign Minister, did not respond. The Prime Minister does not respond, and rightly so, in my opinion. But generally, this is a reason given by those worried that if we sit down at the table with Türkiye - in the sense of completing the processes so we can actually sit down and address the real major issues, not the preparation you are doing now - that Greece is ready to make concessions.
G. GERAPETRITIS: You can never know something before you see it. However, when you start with the assumption that Greece will make concessions, allow me to say that this is a stance that undermines peace and prosperity. And I am not speaking, of course, about the former Prime Ministers, who are absolutely entitled to their opinions. Each of the two Prime Ministers has his own history, which he may highlight.
What I want to say is that Greece is in a position of strength and this period is, in my opinion, a historic window of opportunity to resolve our longstanding problems. We mentioned earlier the incident in Kasos. This incident, which was resolved immediately due to the existence of political communication channels between Greece and Türkiye, without causing a crisis, would never have occurred if we had delimitated the maritime zones, that is, the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone. Because these waters would obviously be within the Greek Exclusive Economic Zone. Issues arise, Mr. Papadimitriou, precisely because we do not have this delimitation. I state with clarity and conviction, while welcoming contrary opinions, that our current relations with Türkiye are at a satisfactory stage. Why is that?
Firstly, because from the thousand illegal overflights and violations of Greek airspace, we have reached zero. Because right now we can mitigate tensions to prevent crises and the risk of a hot incident and war. Because right now we are managing migration in a beneficial way. Because thanks to cooperation, illegal trafficking networks are being dismantled.
JOURNALIST: That’s beneficial, but bullets are still being fired. A border guard almost got killed a few days ago.
G. GERAPETRITIS: The incident is under investigation. At this stage we cannot say how this incident unfolded. Relevant announcements will obviously be made, once it has been investigated. However, I want to emphasize that it is beyond dispute that the current situation establishes a sense of relative security and trust among the citizens.
You ask if we will make any concessions. The answer is very clear. Greece will never retreat from any stage of its sovereignty, which we do not discuss. It is simple. I have said it from the beginning. Greece will never discuss the issue of its territorial waters, which are currently 6 nautical miles and which we always reserve the right to extend to 12 miles according to the International Law of the Sea. It will not back down from its right to define its own terms regarding its Armed Forces and their disposition, nor from protecting recognized minorities. On the other hand, when conditions mature, I hope we can enter into more serious discussions, which I want to remind you, have been ongoing for decades. We have had 64 rounds of exploratory talks, Mr. Papadimitriou, and each time the latest round went worse than the previous one. The positions stated were more extreme. Have we truly benefited from these tensions and extreme positions over the last 20 years of exploratory talks? The answer is clear.
JOURNALIST: I understand what your answer is. On the other hand, you have done some work, that's true. We have finished with Italy, not with Albania though. And I would like you to tell me why. What is your explanation? While it seemed that everything was laid out to finish with them in defining the EEZ and all of Greece's rights, but also their own. We have almost finished with Egypt. What’s left with Egypt?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Some procedural stages are to be completed, but there is an international agreement that binds the parties and has already been announced to the United Nations. So, in terms of international strength, absolutely nothing is lacking.
JOURNALIST: So now we need to finish with Cyprus and Türkiye.
G. GERAPETRITIS: These are our two major national issues, Mr. Papadimitriou, and I want to tell you that from the first day I took office, the issue of Cyprus has been my utmost priority.
JOURNALIST: Before we discuss Cyprus, we will take a short commercial break. Right after that, I want to know what we will do with the EEZ and the continental shelf, the two key issues that justify discussions with Türkiye, Mr. Gerapetritis, beyond merely maintaining good neighbourly relations. Stay tuned for more after our commercials and the news bulletin.
JOURNALIST: We are here with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. George Gerapetritis. Mr. Gerapetritis, apparently there are numerous messages coming in. I can't keep up. It's quite an art on the radio to manage speaking, asking questions, following the discussion, reading messages, and communicating them as well. However, Yiannis from Ilion, who is a consistent and passionate listener, asks how we can preserve calm in the Aegean; there are no Turkish overflights. Are our own fighters flying? I am asking this particularly on behalf of Yiannis, as he is one of those people whom you can never convince, no matter what you say, on any topic. You see, we appear to be continually making concessions, and that is why Erdogan has backed down.
G. GERAPETRITIS: There has been absolutely no cessation of activity by the Greek Armed Forces.
JOURNALIST: Are our fighters currently flying over the Aegean?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Certainly, our fighters are flying over the Aegean, in areas where International Law permits. As you are aware, there is an airspace of ten miles. Our Armed Forces are fully active. There are absolutely no concessions. Of course, in the framework of the Confidence Building Measures between the two countries, a constant dialogue has been established primarily among the military officers, under the responsibility of a senior diplomat, in order limit military exercises, yet without any degradation or retreat in the combat readiness of the Armed Forces.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Kostas Tsalikis suggests that with just three F-35 jets and one Belharra frigate, we could fully meet our needs in the Aegean. Why do we need so many weapons? Are we replacing the Americans as Europe's border guards, extending to the West and now the North as well?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Allow me to say that the combat readiness of the Armed Forces necessitates the upgrading our weapon systems. The F-35s are extremely advanced weapons that currently provide a significant defensive advantage. And for the record, Mr. Papadimitriou, when we took office in 2019, Türkiye was part of the F-35 program. We hadn't even joined the program to upgrade our F-16s. As of today, Greece has joined the F-35 program, has upgraded its F-16s to Viper configuration, while Türkiye has been removed from the F-35 program.
JOURNALIST: Ioannis writes that everything seems fine and well, Minister, especially in Karpathos. You are also from Karpathos. facing five opposing warships there, you once again backed down without completing the project. You gave life to the invalid Turkish-Libyan “memorandum”.
G. GERAPETRITIS: That is exactly what I said earlier.
JOURNALIST: Yes, what you were explaining earlier. When is this project to be completed? It still requires a lot of work.
G. GERAPETRITIS: This is a long-term project. I repeat. It is false. I cannot express it any differently. Unfortunately, as you are aware, the spreading of lies leads to the creation of truth, Mr. Papadimitriou. The claim that the ship retreated and returned is false. The ship completed all the research it was scheduled to conduct outside Greek territorial waters, within the Greek Exclusive Economic Zone. If you ask whether having warships nearby is a good thing, obviously it is not. However, I must emphasize that we all realize that neither Greece nor Türkiye will deviate from their fundamental positions. Look, I am neither utopian nor under any illusion that all issues will suddenly be resolved. What we do maintain, however, is that there must always be channels available so that we can discuss and resolve issues. For example, I am not sure that if a similar situation occurred when these channels were not available, it would have had the same outcome. Now, I want to reiterate and conclude this. Your listener is right. I have a special interest in Kasos, and I want to reassure all the frontier Greeks: there was no case of Greek retreat. On the contrary, Greece was within its Exclusive Economic Zone, completed its research, and no crisis ensued. I cannot see what more we could possibly aim for.
JOURNALIST: So, as the head of diplomacy, you communicate easily with the head of our defense establishment, taking measures when necessary. I suspect you have quick coordination with Mr. Dendias, who is well-acquainted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Absolutely. We are completely aligned.
JOURNALIST: The rumors that you are the conciliatory one, ready to compromise, and Mr. Dendias is the strict one who will never compromise do not reflect the truth then?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I want to share something that reflects my own understanding of Greek history. The distinction between those who are conciliatory and patriots has led to national disasters in our country. That is why I am always of the opinion that it is important to be beneficial. We are in full coordination, both with the Ministry of National Defense and with the Minister. After all, our policy is neither dictated by me nor by any Minister. The policy is shaped by the Prime Minister and approved through the Government Council on Foreign and Defence Affairs (KYSEA). So, we are in complete coordination right now. And I believe this was quite evident in the case of the recent tension which was immediately defused. There was an immediate deployment of Greek warships to the extent necessary.
JOURNALIST: Regarding Mr. Dendias’ recent speech in Cyprus, during which he employed commonly used phrases. Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs employ the same wording?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We are following exactly the same strategy. I cannot put it any differently. There is no difference.
JOURNALIST: But Minister, there must be a difference. We journalists must have something to say, so that things can run smoothly.
G. GERAPETRITIS: I am sorry, but I'll have to disappoint you. Both myself and the entire Cabinet, obviously including the Minister of National Defense, are completely aligned in that Greece should indeed be engaged in discussions with Türkiye. We want to have a beneficial and productive dialogue. Greece is focused on peace and prosperity, not war. On the other hand, we cannot ignore history, especially Türkiye's historical role in Cyprus. Under no circumstances can we make concessions on issues concerning our sovereignty and where there are national red lines.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Gerapetritis, why should we reopen the Cyprus issue now? I get the impression that not even the Cypriots want that.
G. GERAPETRITIS: I have a different view and am in complete synergy and solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus. As you are aware, I have regular contacts, often going to Cyprus for just a few hours solely to receive insights from the Republic of Cyprus. The truth is that for a long time there was absolute stagnation and inactivity in the Cyprus issue. When I took over a year ago, with the mandate from the Prime Minister and in coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, we tried to elevate the Cyprus issue on the agendas of the United Nations and the European Union. Both were accomplished. In June 2023, provisions were included in the conclusions of the European Council, according to which the European Union will be involved in all stages of resolving the Cyprus issue. And of course, the United Nations, through the Secretary-General, prioritized the Cyprus issue. A Personal Envoy was appointed to Cyprus, and there is now a very clear position that the Cyprus issue is moving forward. That is also my perception. I would like to tell you that I have invested a significant part of my energy and that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get the Cyprus issue back on track. What does getting back on track consist of? It involves relaunching the discussions between the two sides based on the United Nations resolutions for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. I understand that Türkiye's position is...
JOURNALIST: This is another source of tension with Türkiye though.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Türkiye's position over time has found itself at the opposite extreme, that is, in favor of a two-state solution. What they call sovereign equality. This is something that lies outside the framework of International Law, as defined by the resolutions and therefore, cannot be accepted. What is crucial, Mr. Papadimitriou, in the current phase and for which we all work hard, is the resumption of discussions. Because if there is no discussion, there will be no solution. I always say that what is critical is that we can be deliberative, that we can discuss. We do the same with Türkiye. I believe the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations is also beneficial for addressing the Cyprus issue. And the President of the Republic of Cyprus recognizes that as well.
JOURNALIST: How have they improved when its fleet is sent to perform exercises in occupied Cyprus?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Let me tell you the following. The discussion that will take place for Cyprus, we hope, has only one goal, the reunification of Cyprus. Cyprus must be united. And it is not just us saying this; it is stipulated by International Law. Regardless of the statements or operations made by Türkiye, what is important - and I have a sustainable hope, a slight optimism, Mr. Papadimitriou, that we will manage to initiate discussions on the Cyprus issue - is that there will be a solution that will be sustainable, beneficial, and mutually acceptable.
JOURNALIST: I see. The report on the rule of law, Mr. Gerapetritis, seems to have fewer faults to report on us now. Excuse my slight irony, but when I first read it years ago, I said I couldn't read it again. However, with all the recent uproar and seeing that I was wrong, and some foreign correspondents, who consider it a very important issue - as does the entire opposition - were right, I saw that there indeed were significant issues. Now, in this latest one, Greece is ranked much better. Did we pay money to secure a better position in this report?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Let me say this. If one looks at the European Commission's reports on the rule of law over time, indeed, one will see significant improvements across nearly all chapters. There are many fronts open. You know, the European Commission, having done the reports for all 27 member states, has a different perception of findings. For instance, it emphasizes issues that, for us, require constitutional amendment, such as the criminal liability of Ministers. So, we all realize that there has indeed been significant progress. We are working towards this, and I want to emphasize the importance, Mr. Papadimitriou, of understanding these findings within their historical context. If one reads the current report on the rule of law in absolute terms, they might find phrases suggesting that Greece still has steps to take. But looking over time, the improvement is immense. This is true in all cases. You told me earlier…
JOURNALIST: And that applies to other states as well.
G. GERAPETRITIS: It applies to all states. In my view, what we often lack is a longitudinal and comparative approach. We constantly talk about Erdogan's inflammatory statements. Certainly, the Turkish President's statements are often completely out of line. However, if we look at what happened in previous years, it is clear that there has been a gradual de-escalation. I am not suggesting - and I say this cautiously - that they have shifted from their fundamental positions. I do not expect that. What I am saying, however, is that the hostility, which existed in the past, has clearly been reduced.
JOURNALIST: A case that has received much criticism in these matters is Hungary. You are not going to Budapest as is usual. The country holding the six-month presidency hosts the initial Council of Ministers meetings. You're not going there though. The meeting will be held in Brussels. What is the problem with Mr. Orban?
G. GERAPETRITIS: In my view, that’s obvious. Hungary conducts a foreign policy that significantly deviates from the foundations of the European Union's foreign and security policy. For instance, we see Hungary's stance, which in some cases is quite ambivalent towards Russia, on the Ukraine issue. Therefore, we understand that there is some distance.
On the other hand, there are bodies within the European Union that make decisions. The EU Foreign Affairs Council is responsible for making decisions using the prescribed procedures and the qualified majority. It is not within the jurisdiction of any member state, not even the presiding member state. Thus, all are resolved based on jurisdiction.
JOURNALIST: However, Mr. Orban has in mind, Minister, as we all understand, to find a solution, to end the war that Putin declared in Ukraine. That is not bad, is it?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Be assured, it is never bad to seek a solution, especially when that solution would be sustainable and deliberative. The problem lies in the means used to achieve it. Let me explain. At this moment, the entire European Union is looking forward to peace in Ukraine. And the Ukrainians themselves certainly strive for it. The issue is whether this solution will justify Russia's aggression or validate Ukraine, which is defending itself. If, right now, we say that compromises on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are starting, everyone, Mr. Papadimitriou, understands that this sets a dangerous historical precedent.
JOURNALIST: Are you implying something about Cyprus?
G. GERAPETRITIS: It says something about all of us.
JOURNALIST: You mean a potential attack on a part of Greek territory?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Clearly, yes. And I want to state this loudly and clearly. It is significant that we started our discussion today with my statement, and I believe it would be useful to conclude with it.
We cannot have double standards in our foreign policy. When we say we are supporters of International Law, defenders of the besieged, supporters of territorial integrity and state sovereignty, we cannot then make concessions on these. Why is that, Mr. Papadimitriou? Because when or if the time comes - and I hope it never does - a country like Greece, or any country that has shown ambivalence on these issues, will no longer have a legitimate interest to assert.
The international community should maintain a unified stance on Ukraine, Cyprus, the Middle East, and everywhere. Only this way can it gain credibility and have consistent standards in enforcement. For this reason, we will be clear. Yes, we seek a solution in Ukraine. The entire European Union and the Western world strive for this peace. On the other hand, we cannot accept that this peace comes at a cost to Ukraine, which would validate the aggressor.
JOURNALIST: How low are our relations with Putin and Moscow?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I believe that at this level Greek foreign policy aims to maintain its seriousness. We have our diplomatic relations at the moment. Our diplomatic mission in Moscow continues to exist. It is involved in the necessary consultations with the competent Russian services. On the other hand, at the highest political level, we do not have these contacts. I would say that we maintain the essential diplomatic relations so that the day after peace comes to Ukraine, we will be able to converse on terms that have not been severed. And we work towards this goal.
JOURNALIST: Minister, both you and primarily the Prime Minister, are you willing to take an initiative? We are, of course, waiting to see Netanyahu's return from the United States. Can you act so that peace is achieved, Israeli advancement is halted, and a Palestinian state is recognized, which is a prerequisite for peace in the region?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I want to tell you that among European states we must be, if nothing else, among the most active regarding the Middle East issue. The initiatives we have undertaken as a government and as a Foreign Ministry are very significant and beneficial. And both sides recognize this.
You know, there are not many countries that have gained credibility to the extent that they can currently converse with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We actually do this. Why? Because we have a specific stance on these matters, a stance of principle. What have we achieved there? We have managed to establish communication channels with both sides and with the entire Arab world.
Right now, at my suggestion, a Euro-Arab Foreign Ministers Task Force is being formed, taking on a mediating role. Furthermore, on our proposal, expertise is being provided to the Palestinian Authority, so that the necessary institutions and processes can be established to govern Palestine the next day. Because you know, one of the reasons that currently hinders peace is the fact that the Palestinian Authority is not considered by the Israelis to have either the integrity or the expertise to take over the administration.
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken the initiative to provide expertise. Additionally, on our recommendation - and I am confident it will be approved -, we propose that the European Union welcome children from Palestine who are currently either injured or lack basic necessities. Our presence in the Middle East is both strong and beneficial.
JOURNALIST: Minister, in the half-minute we have left, please answer me. Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Both and more, I would say, much like the economists you are familiar with. And I would say this in the following sense: We have established such a deep relationship and we are truly at the peak of our bilateral relations with the United States, that I consider it a given that it will not be shaken in the slightest. At this moment, Greece observes and respects the decisions of the American people. I wish to commend President Biden's stance. It was a stance that displayed greatness through his renunciation of any personal vanity he might have had. As Nietzsche wisely stated, the greatest virtue is being able to recognize when to let go at the right moment. I firmly believe that history will vindicate him and I am confident that the next day will bring even stronger Greek-American relations.
JOURNALIST: Minister, Mr. Gerapetritis, thank you very much. All the best.
G. GERAPETRITIS: All the best. It has been a special honour, and I sincerely thank both you and your listeners.
July 25, 2024