JOURNALIST: Minister, what is happening in Rafah has shocked the entire world, and many consider it a war crime. What is the Greek government’s position?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Our opinion and stance regarding the issue of Gaza have remained unchanged since the very first day. We made it clear, from the outset, that Israel has the right to self-defense within the limits set by International Law and especially Humanitarian Law. We made it clear that Hamas should not be equated with the Palestinian people. We called for the immediate release of hostages, the protection of civilians, and the opening of humanitarian corridors. Unfortunately, over time, reality has surpassed even the most adverse predictions. The number of civilian casualties is very large. It is clear, in my opinion, that there has been disproportionate intervention in Gaza. For this reason, the Greek side which is in a position to converse with the parties involved in the conflict and all the active players in the broader region, always offers its good offices in order to achieve a viable and just solution. What we are currently promoting, in cooperation with both the European Union and the Arab states, is a draft agreement that will enable the cessation of hostilities, the unhindered flow of large-scale humanitarian aid and, of course, the beginning of discussions on the future of the region. A future that cannot be anything other than what is prescribed by the United Nations Security Council resolutions on the two states, namely the establishment of a Palestinian State within the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. We will continue our efforts for peace. Greece is firmly oriented towards a peaceful Middle East and a peaceful wider region, because, unfortunately, the spillover effects in the broader region - in Lebanon, Syria, and the Red Sea - are extremely dangerous and could cause a huge humanitarian disaster.
JOURNALIST: Minister, the understanding with Türkiye is progressing. What do we expect from the meeting between Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President Erdogan in two days?
G. GERAPETRITIS: To be completely honest with you, I believe that meetings between the leaders of the two neighbouring countries do not necessarily need to produce major deliverables. We should meet periodically to assess the evolution of our bilateral relations, set the timetable for the next steps and, certainly, assess the international situation in our region, and around the world. I believe that we should enter into a logic of normalization of the relationship between Greece and Türkiye, so that we can converse without this being a major news story. I believe we have recently established effective communication channels so that disagreements, which obviously exist, do not generate crises.
JOURNALIST: But following a year of talks and a positive atmosphere with Türkiye, are we at the beginning of some kind of rapprochement on the issues of the Aegean?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I think you rightly put it that in the last year, we have managed to maintain relative calm in our region. It is significant that there are basically no violations of our airspace. It is also important that that there is coordination to limit and almost eliminate illegal migration flows. In addition, we are working on the positive agenda with measures of mutual benefit so that we can achieve positive results in many policy areas. We have not yet come to the point of discussing our sole dispute that can be brought before international jurisdiction, namely the delimitation of the continental shelf and the EEZ. We would like to proceed with this discussion when conditions are appropriate.
JOURNALIST: Minister, there is a lot of talk about the special agreement between the two countries. We, as you said just now, we remain steadfast in our position that there is a sole dispute. However, Türkiye, on its part, is insisting on maximalist demands, such as island ownership, demilitarization, limited Greek sovereignty, etc. How can there be even a minimum agreement under these circumstances?
G. GERAPETRITIS: As I have repeatedly emphasized, issues of sovereignty cannot be placed on the dialogue table. Sovereignty is an inalienable right of the country, and it is the basis for all significant matters pertaining to the state's very existence. Therefore, we will not discuss them. We would like to resolve the issue of the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone and, if this is not possible, to bring the matter before international jurisdiction when the appropriate conditions exist. In this regard, it is important to define very concretely the issue that could be referred to The Hague. No other issue can be the content of such a special agreement.
JOURNALIST: The historical Monastery of Chora was converted from a museum to a functional mosque two days ago. Do you consider this to be a goodwill gesture that favors discussion with Türkiye a few days before the Prime Minister's visit?
G. GERAPETRITIS: First and foremost, it should be noted that the decision to convert the Chora Monastery into a place of worship, a mosque, was made in 2020; what was announced now was its implementation, which also applies to approximately 200 other related monuments throughout Türkiye. Our position is clear. Such events at the current phase, in which we are attempting to build up trust and mutual understanding are disappointing. This is because we all understand that the Monastery of Chora holds significant symbolism for Greece, but also has intrinsic importance as an ecumenical cultural heritage. It is a Byzantine monument of unequalled value and altering its ecumenical character is a mistake that should not have occurred.
JOURNALIST: You stated recently, in Delphi, that you want to be beneficial to the country, not popular. I have to confess that this was surprising, at least to those of us who have been following diplomatic affairs for years. Could you please explain what that means?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Allow me to be clear. I hold the particularly honorable office of Greek Foreign Minister, an office formerly held by important personalities in Greek politics. Being in this position, what is important is to serve my country and its national rights, to be able to strengthen our country on the international stage, so that Greek citizens feel safe, confident, and proud of our homeland. I think that step by step we are achieving this. Our country is recognized as an international player with integrity, values, and principles, which I believe is appreciated by everyone, including allies and non-allies. That is the decision I made when I came to the Foreign Ministry. I will continue to serve my country with integrity and tenacity. I will not pursue a transactional policy, but a policy of values. My willingness to be beneficial has to do precisely with the fact that in some cases I make decisions that some people may not like. However, with the Prime Minister’s trust, I will continue to do what my conscience tells me is the right thing to do, even if these decisions do not make me very popular. It is my principle that I am not here today to serve any other interests than those of the country's present and future generations.
JOURNALIST: Minister, on Monday a meeting was held between Mr. Fidan, your Turkish counterpart, and Mr. Guterres' envoy, Ms. Holguin, who is already in Cyprus. Where does Greece stand in this process?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The Cyprus issue is a major priority for Greek foreign policy, and it could not be otherwise. I personally have invested considerably in being able to promote the Cyprus issue. I am in regular contact with the United Nations including the Secretary-General and his personal envoy, Ms. Holguin. Certainly, we are also discussing the Cyprus issue in the context of Greek-Turkish relations. Furthermore, I am in constant communication with the Cypriot President and the Foreign Minister. I believe that the time is appropriate to resume talks concerning the resolution of the Cyprus issue, precisely within the framework of the United Nations Security Council resolutions on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. I will continue my efforts to achieve beneficial results on the Cyprus issue, which will remain at the forefront of Greek foreign policy priorities.
JOURNALIST: After the elections in North Macedonia and the likely victory of the nationalists, what do you believe are the prospects for the survival of the Prespa Agreement and what would you say to the new government?
G. GERAPETRITIS: As you are aware, Greece has historically advocated for the Western Balkan states’ integration into the European family, and continues to do so. We believe that these states should be at the core of the European Union, and we are making systematic efforts so that there is a European future for these states. In particular, regarding North Macedonia, I have repeatedly emphasized that the country's path towards the European Union also depends on the full implementation of the Prespa Agreement. Regardless of the issues that the Prespa Agreement had from the outset, as highlighted by the New Democracy party, the main opposition at the time, this Agreement is an international treaty that takes precedence over any domestic law and must be respected by the parties. Any revision of it is not permitted without the parties' agreement. In this regard, we consider it essential that the Agreement continue to be implemented, and I believe that this will be the position of the new political leadership in North Macedonia, which will emerge following the elections. The Greek government is constantly and rigorously monitoring the Agreement's implementation and will make the necessary interventions.
JOURNALIST: Regarding Kosovo. What is the government's position and how do you think a potential admission of Kosovo to the Council of Europe will affect Greek-Serbian relations?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Our position has been consistent since the beginning and continues to be a principled position. For this reason, Greece has abstained from voting on the referral of the issue of Kosovo's accession to the Council of Europe, and this will be our position when the issue is raised at the Council of Ministers, that is to say, Greece will abstain. Our position is based on the fact that the conditions laid down for Kosovo's accession to the Council of Europe, in particular the creation of the Association of Serb Municipalities, have not yet been met. Greece pursues a principled policy. We offer our good offices to ensure a peaceful resolution of the differences between Belgrade and Pristina. We believe that what was agreed upon between the two parties in Οhrid should be fully implemented, and that resolving these differences will significantly contribute not only to their European course, but also to overall peace and prosperity in the Balkans, a region that has historically been extremely vulnerable but also of great interest to Greek foreign policy.
May 12, 2024