A. PAPAIOANNOU: Good morning to everyone and let’s all have a good weekend. Allow me to begin with certain organisational matters. Firstly, I would like to inform you that I would like to hold a regular briefing every week. My intention is to hold it on Thursdays at 11.00, but, of course, this will be adapted depending on the given obligations, in which case we will hold it later on Thursdays or on Friday mornings, like today, since yesterday we had a Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
The second thing I would like to tell you is that today’s video conference is not informal, like the one we held last week, which was a test run, and as the online system worked well, we decided to establish it as a briefing moving forward.
Thirdly, until further notice these regular meetings will have to be held via Zoom, as there are no other options, unfortunately.
Fourthly, I will start with an introductory presentation and then if you have any questions you can pose them to me. Please write them with your name in the chat box on the right side of your screen, so I can give the floor to each of you in the order in which you have written to me.
As I mentioned, first I would like to give you a brief update regarding what happened this past week in general. Although we are facing the issues of the pandemic, there were also several foreign policy issues.
Firstly, you must have seen the statements made yesterday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Dendias, regarding his participation in the Foreign Affairs Council, held via video conference, during which the Minister once again stressed that Greece and the European Union in general want a positive agenda as regards relations with Turkey, as mentioned in the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 1 October. However, as the Minister stressed, Turkey moved in the exact opposite direction, essentially seeking to shut down any prospects of improving relationships. He pointed out the five illegal NAVTEXs Turkey has issued recently, since the European Council meeting of October, namely, in the last month and a half. I would like to stress this: since October.
And, naturally, he referred to illegality that entail statements, the “picnic”, as they called it, in Varosha last Sunday, which, as you recall, we condemned unequivocally in our announcement.
The most important point is that the Minister repeated, in light of these developments, that the European Union must prepare and essentially adopt appropriate measures in December. I would like to stress, appropriate measures. Given that Turkey’s behaviour is the exact opposite of what we urged as the EU.
With respect to the Foreign Affairs Council, please allow me to briefly say that the discussion was quite interesting and there were frequent interventions by several Member States, in order to express their concern over Turkey’s behaviour. In fact, some openly condemned Turkey’s behaviour. In fact, one country also mentioned imposing a moratorium on weapons exports. And my key take-away is that some of these countries that took the floor were not countries that usually speak out on this matter. In general, momentum is forming as regards Turkey, the development of which we will be monitoring.
The main conclusion, if I may, from yesterday’s meeting, was that it has now been understood that the problem of Turkey, Turkey’s actions, is not an exclusively bilateral Greece-Turkey issue. It is a European issue.
As regards Varosha, as I mentioned earlier, we condemned the visit of the Turkish President and other Turkish officials there last Sunday, which was in blatant violation of Resolutions 550 and 789 of the UN Security Council. Our position on the Cyprus issue remains unchanged. We support a fair and sustainable solution based on a communal, bi-zonal federation in the framework of Security Council Resolutions.
As regards the United Arab Emirates, this was a Prime Minister visit, the government spokesperson has already briefed about it, I have nothing to add. I would like to make a more general comment regarding our bilateral relations with the Emirates and highlight that the Prime Minister’s visit was the second such visit in one year, and that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has travelled to the Emirates three times since November last year. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Greece last September. Therefore, I attach special importance to the fact that the visit and the agreement signed in the Emirates is the next stage in a diplomatic effort that started some time ago, clearly strengthening our bilateral relations with that country as a result. We have now created a very tight-knit network of political contacts with the Emirates, which will extend into other domains as well, defence cooperation, investments, cooperation in the framework of international organisations, etc.
In general, I should also mention the prospects for enlarging the various multilateral partnerships in the region. The normalisation of the relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel creates new prospects and contributes more broadly towards achieving a sustainable solution in the Middle East. I would also note that the Emirates and the Gulf countries in general form a bridge between the countries of Europe, including Greece, and the countries of the rest of Asia, such as India for example. Our relationships with those countries have developed considerably and cannot in any way be compared with our relations with them in previous decades. They are on a completely different level now.
A brief reference to the US elections; I mentioned last week that we look forward to working closely with the new Administration when it takes over. Obviously, contact has already been made, regular contact with Democratic Party officials. Another point I would like to stress is that we certainly look forward to the strengthening of relations between the European Union and the United States in the framework of the new Administration.
And lastly, please allow me, with respect to the bilateral relations with the United States, to point out that a high-level meeting took place in Washington this week, during which the Greek side raised its concerns to the US side regarding the State Department report, that had been relayed to Congress. At this point let me remind you that, as you know, the US side has repeatedly and publicly condemned Turkey’s airspace violations.
Now, please allow me a short review of next week’s schedule for the leadership of the Ministry. I will start with Tuesday, 24 November, when Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Dendias will participate in the Donors’ Conference for Afghanistan in Geneva via video conference. A telephone call has then been scheduled with his Italian counterpart, Mr Luigi Di Maio, during which they will discuss, among other things, developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Libya. Also on Tuesday, the Minister will be participating in the Economist’s online Cyprus Summit, titled ‘Europe: Putting solidarity to the test - Cyprus: In need of a new growth model?’ He will be speaking on ‘Energy diplomacy in turbulent times’. Lastly, again on Tuesday, his schedule is very busy on Tuesday, he will be participating in the 37th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie via video conference.
On Thursday, 26 November, a telephone call has been scheduled between the Minister and NATO Secretary General, Mr Stoltenberg. This discussion will be held in view of the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 1 and 2 December, which will also, unfortunately, be held via video conference. Later that day, the Minister will be participating via video conference in a Ministerial meeting between the European Union and Southern Neighbourhood Partners taking place in Barcelona.
On Friday he will be participating in the 5th Regional Forum at a Ministerial level of the Union for the Mediterranean, also being held in Barcelona.
Regarding the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Varvitsiotis, I would like to stress that, as you already know, a few days ago he handed over the Presidency of the Council of Europe to Germany, which took over on 15 November. At this point, I would like to underline the congratulations extended by the German Minister of Foreign Affairs for the way in which Greece managed the Presidency of the Council of Europe under these unprecedented conditions.
In this framework I would also like to briefly review the Greek Presidency of the Council of Europe, emphasise the creation of the Observatory on History Teaching, and note the Declaration of Athens. This was, in essence, a fully digital Presidency, due to the unfortunate circumstances; nevertheless, we succeeded in holding a large number of meetings, among them four Ministerial Meetings. The most recent one was held on 4 November. In that framework I would like to stress the large number of participating Ministers and Deputy Ministers, which is not always the case at the Council of Europe. Also, on 4 November an event was held at Parliament in the presence of the President of the Republic, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. As I mentioned, everyone recognises that this was a very successful Presidency.
I apologise for taking up so much time with this introduction. I am now available for your questions.
I see that Ms Rigou has asked to take the floor.
M. RIGOU: I had two questions. One concerns Hungary and Poland, and their vetoing the EU Budget and the economic recovery plan for the impact of the pandemic. Ms Merkel said that there is nothing to be concerned about yet, but is “yet” the word we should be focusing on? How do you assess this issue will be resolved?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: To begin with, a short discussion was held at yesterday’s video conference of the European Council, which, from what I am told, lasted about half an hour. Certain interventions were made and it was ultimately said that the Presidency will continue its efforts to achieve a solution as soon as possible.
M. RIGOU: Nevertheless, we are once again facing a kind of crisis in the Union, while France and Germany, with the joint statement by their Ministers of Foreign Affairs, are asking for a review of the transatlantic partnership, mainly in light of the unrest we have been seeing all over the world. I would like a comment on that.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: You are asking me two things, I will provide a brief answer for the first, as regards what you are calling a crisis. It is a tradition in the European Union — I have experienced it several times — to end negotiations at the very last moment. I am not saying that it will happen this time, but there are always negotiations taking place in the European Union. I have no reason to be pessimistic right now, and we fully support the efforts of the German Presidency to achieve a good solution in this matter.
As regards transatlantic relationships, as I said before, we are in favour of deepening the relationship between the European Union and the USA. We have many common challenges to face, starting with the pandemic, climate change, and so forth, and we look forward, all European Union member states, to strengthening these ties and cooperating closely with the new Administration.
S. SIDERIS: Good morning, Mr Spokesperson. Greece continuously declares that Turkey’s NAVTEXs are illegal. What is this based on, when it announces them in international waters not delimited by Greece?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Greece has ipso facto and ab initio rights as regards its continental shelf, on the basis on International Law, specifically Articles 77 and 121, if I am not mistaken, of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, which are also customary law.
Turkey cannot announce NAVTEXs for areas over which it is not competent. The Heraklion station is competent for these areas.
T. ARGYRAKIS: Good morning. The Minister stated yesterday that he asked for appropriate measures to be prepared and implemented. The question is, since we have heard European Union officials in the past say that the list is ready, has this list not been compiled? Why did he ask for it to be prepared?
And secondly, when we say “prepare”, are we waiting for the December Meeting to give the green light for preparations? And next, which is directly related: When you say “measures”, do you mean sanctions?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: The Minister clearly spoke of appropriate measures – he said it in his statement. He mentioned “appropriate measures” to his counterparts. He said that we need to finalise the appropriate measures and implement appropriate measures.
T. ARGYRAKIS: The subject of the preparation? You have not responded to that.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I have responded.
T. ARGYRAKIS: So we are waiting for the preparation? For the Meeting to give the green light?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I have responded, Mr Argyrakis. Please allow me to give the floor to Ms Fotaki who is waiting.
A. FOTAKI: Good morning. When we speak of a shift in the balance of power on a European Union level and say that there are others who understand that Turkey has taken no positive steps, will we be able to convince them to move to measures or issue another warning? What direction could these measures or sanctions, whatever we are calling them, take?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: First of all, I will insist on the words appropriate measures. What I am saying right now, is that the number of those voicing concern over or for condemnation of Turkey’s actions in general are increasing. There were other references as well, not only regarding the Southeastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, but also regarding statements by Turkish officials that stir up quite a lot of tension, the transportation of jihadists to other regions, the instability Turkey is stirring in other areas in the broader region, whether we are talking about Caucasus, Syria, or Libya, and, of course, I cannot leave out the migration-refugee issue, which is also a source of concern for many countries of the European Union. Several concerns were expressed in that framework. And that creates momentum and a better understanding of our positions. What we have been saying for some time, which I will repeat, is that it is not an issue strictly between Greece and Turkey; it has now clearly become a challenge for all of Europe. And that this is the framework in which the European Union must decide on appropriate measures.
T. ARGYRAKIS: You said that certain countries condemned Turkey's actions, and, in fact, for some of them it was their first time. Which countries are those, and could you also tell us which countries did not condemn Turkey's actions?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: This was a session behind closed doors. I said that certain countries condemned Turkey, I did not say it was the first time they did so. And that is why I say that it is important. Their condemnation and the words they used. However, please allow me not to name specific countries. That is up to those countries, should their competent Ministers of Foreign Affairs wish to do so.
K. MPALI: Good morning, everyone. Given that before the previous Summit Meeting, which was specifically focused on Euro-Turkish dialogue and Euro-Turkish relations, Turkey had pulled back Oruç Reis to Antalya and we had stood down, if you will allow the expression; do you believe it will suffice as a goodwill gesture to do the same a few days before this Meeting?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Firstly, the conclusions of the European Council were for Turkey to stop its provocative actions in general. We are not talking about a few days here; we are talking about the long term.
Therefore, it concerns what Turkey will do henceforth, not just whether the ship will leave. That would be a positive step towards de-escalation, of course, but I would like to repeat the long term as well. As I mentioned earlier, just in the past month and a half Turkey has issued 5 NAVTEXs.
I cannot determine what the conclusions will be right now. That is something for the Ministers of Foreign Affairs to discuss in early December, and then for the Heads of States and Governments at the European Council.
A. VOUDOURI: Good morning, everyone. Yesterday, after the conclusion of the video conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Heiko Maas, said that “if we see no positive signs, but rather only challenges from Turkey over the next weeks, then we will be heading towards a difficult negotiation”.
My question is, negotiate with whom and to what end, if the choices are specific. Aren’t these the choices Turkey has before it?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I would not like to comment on what the German Minister of Foreign Affairs said, but obviously by negotiation Mr Maas means that any decision taken on measures regarding Turkey at the European Council, will be taken by all 27 partners. From that perspective, every decision is a negotiation by definition.
What Mr Maas said — which I think was before the Foreign Affairs Council, it is of little importance — expresses, I will repeat it once more, the existing and increasing concern or dissatisfaction on a European level regarding Turkey’s actions.
A. ZACHARIADIS: I would like to ask you this: at the December Summit Meeting ... (inaudible)... the measures, as they were drafted by Mr Borrell in the text?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: The European Council will take into account the conclusions of the European Council meeting held on October 1 and 2. What he said is crystal clear. In the conclusions of the European Council there are explicit references to measures and in what legal framework they can be taken, and that is what will be examined, among other things.
T. ARGYRAKIS: Basically, I am interested in what the position of Balkan countries was and which country proposed a weapons moratorium on Turkey.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I told you earlier, I will not comment on what other countries said in a restricted video conference, that is beyond my competencies. What I will say is that it is widely known which countries have referred to a moratorium on weapons exports, and please allow me to stop there. Thank you.
P. TZANETAKOS: Good morning from me as well. It seems that Turkey is dialling up the pressure once again in the direction of Cyprus. There have been articles in recent days according to which Ankara is engaging in international contacts with states.... aiming towards the recognition of the pseudo-state. What is your comment on this activity and do you believe that there will be developments on the Cyprus issue in the coming months?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Two questions then. Firstly, as regards the media reports — and I would like to underline what you said, we are talking about media reports — this has already been commented on by the Government Spokesperson of the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Kousios, who said that this is not the first time such references have come to light, and that Cyprus has already made its moves and is examining all options. What each state decides from that point on is its own decision.
The only thing I would like to add here, is to point out Resolution 541 of the UN Security Council passed in November 1983, which unequivocally condemned the declaration of the pseudo-state and requests all UN Member States not to recognise it.
I believe that alone speaks volumes.
Mr Argyrakis, I will give you the floor again. Please, there are others who would like to take the floor.
T. ARGYRAKIS: Thank you, I have my answer.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Thank you very much.
S. SIDERIS: Mr Spokesperson, will Mr Dendias be discussing the matter of extending Greek territorial waters from 6 to 12 nautical miles with Mr Luigi Di Maio?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Did I hear you correctly, Mr Sideris? You asked if he will be discussing the issue of extending Greek territorial waters with Mr Luigi Di Mayo, correct?
S. SIDERIS: Yes, you said that on Tuesday there will be a telephone call…
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Yes, there will be a discussion over the telephone...
S. SIDERIS: Will you brief on the delimitation agreement obligation?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Regarding the matter of extending the territorial waters, first of all, as we have said, this is a sovereign decision that Greece can make at any time.
Right now, as I also mentioned last time if I am not mistaken, the Presidential Decrees on defining straight baselines have be forwarded to the Council of the State, and at some point the draft law on the extension of Greek territorial waters will be introduced before Parliament. However, this is a unilateral decision by Greece.
S. SIDERIS: There is a term in the delimitation agreement, that before Greece can unilaterally decide to increase its territorial waters to 12 miles in the Ionian Sea, it must discuss this decision with Italy in coordination with the European Union. This is broadly known, it is a fact. Unless you ... (inaudible)... the agreement.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I shall repeat what I said earlier: It is Greece’s unilateral right to extend its territorial waters to 12 miles, as International Law allows for. As regards the conversation with Mr Di Maio, as I mentioned, they will be discussing developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Italian side also wanted, as do we, to discuss developments in Libya.
S. SIDERIS: So there will be no discussion of the extension to 12 nautical miles.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: No comment.
S. RISTOVSKA: Good morning, everyone. Mr Spokesperson, after France vetoed the accession of North Macedonia and Albania to the European Union, Greece had taken certain initiatives. Now, following Bulgaria’s veto, is Athens considering certain initiatives once more? Thank you.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Thank you. As I said last time, and forgive me if I am repeating myself, for the past 20 years Greece has been at the forefront of promoting the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. Let me remind you of the 2003 Thessaloniki Agenda.
We have said before that, on the basis of course of the foreseen conditionality and on an individual level, we support this. We have also said that we want to help the accession of these countries because we believe that their accession to the European Union would greatly contribute to the overall stability of the region. This policy still holds to this day and will continue to do so.
This is our firm position, this is what we are acting towards, and it is in that framework that we are in favour of their European perspectives, always of course on the basis of the conditionality.
S. SIDERIS: Given the situation that came about from Bulgaria’s veto, I would like to add to my colleague’s question. Will Greece be calling a vote on the pending agreements with North Macedonia, in order to strengthen Greece’s relationship with North Macedonia and to help avoid the creation of an internal crisis by opening two fronts with Bulgaria and Greece.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I see. These agreements will be brought to Parliament.
A. ATHANASOPOULOS: Good morning, Mr Spokesperson, and good morning to everyone else. A couple of clarifications, if you could, on the matter of the restrictions in relation to Turkey on a European level, let's clarify things a little.
At the August Gymnich meeting, Mr Borrell orally presented some possible measures.
Therefore, as far as I am aware, a list has not been drawn up. If that is not the case, please correct me. So, is it Greece’s goal, therefore, to have a formal written list at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting prior to the December Summit, in order to discuss it at the European Council, or will this discussion take place directly at the European Council? Thank you.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Right now, what the Minister of Foreign Affairs requested yesterday at the European Union — and these are his exact words, I can read them to you if you like — has to do with the preparation and adoption of appropriate measures. That is what the Minister said and that is what I want to insist on.
P. TZANETAKOS: Mr Spokesperson, sorry to bring it up again, the Cyprus issue question had two parts. Do you see progress in the negotiations in the coming months, and, if so, in which direction? Sorry to raise the issue again.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Yes, you are right, you had asked two questions and I only responded to the first one.
Right now we will wait on Ms Lute, who, from what we know, will be travelling to Cyprus on 27 November to meet with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, and I am not aware of what other contacts she will have. We will see what news she bears and move accordingly. That is what I would say for now. Mr Athanasopoulos?
A. ATHANASOPOULOS: I have already asked a question, but you did not answer in full, as you did not state exactly when you would like the measures to be presented. At a Ministerial level or at the European Council? That is what I do not understand, the time frame.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I have answered you.
Y. MALINOV: Hello, Mr Spokesperson. I would like to ask how you assess Russia’s contribution to the resolution of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh at this stage. At the end of the day, it was Russia that succeeded in ending the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. No one was sure when and if it was going to end.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: We support the negotiations with a view to reaching a sustainable solution to this issue on the basis of international law. That continues to be our ultimate goal and it is in this framework that we support the efforts of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs in the framework of the OSCE.
B. AGROLABOS: Good morning, Mr Spokesperson, and good morning to all my colleagues. Are the appropriate measures mentioned by Mr ... (inaudible)... close in spirit to the appropriate measures proposed by Austria and Mr Kurz, or are they supplementary measures to those that have not worked... with respect to the violation of the Cypriot EEZ. I would like to remind you that they were sacnctions for persons and for... persons, companies that...
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Excuse me, I cannot hear you well, but I think I understood your question. The Minister has spoken...
B. AGROLABOS: Because these measures could force Turkey to implement International Law.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I do not want to go into details right now regarding the nature of these measures. This is something to be discussed and decided at the level of the 27 by the competent organs. What I said, once again, concerned adopting appropriate measures.
M. RIGOU: It was not a question. Just an observation, perhaps you should answer our colleagues who do not have a microphone right now and whom you are addressing, because they have written their questions in the chat. That is all.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Yes, if someone can tell me who they are.
M. RIGOU: Mr Sourmelidis, for example, has posed two questions from what I saw earlier, since he hasn’t responded twice when you invited him.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Okay. Thank you for the suggestion.
I will move on with Mr Sideris now please.
S. SIDERIS: I would like to ask, Mr Spokesperson, if Greece is worried by Russia’s position, as expressed by President Vladimir Putin, regarding Turkey and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. President Putin took a clearly pro-Turkey position in his statements yesterday. Does this worry you?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I will once again stress that our position is that we support the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group to reach a sustainable solution in the framework of International Law.
S. SIDERIS: Mr Spokesperson, I am not asking for you to comment on what Vladimir Putin said. We know what he said. I would like you to comment on whether Greece is worried. That is what I would like you to tell me.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: All right. I have responded. Please allow me to move on to Ms Tsamouri, who wanted to speak earlier and couldn’t connect.
Ms Tsamouri please.
S. SIDERIS: Her audio is not coming through Mr Spokesperson, that is why she has written her message.
A. TSAMOURI: Since you cannot hear me, I would like an answer. ... Borrell’s statements, we are counting down to the European Council meeting in December. What will we do if the Europeans do not impose sanctions on Turkey?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I have responded that we asked for appropriate measures to be discussed and adopted in view of the European Council meeting. We have time until then. I do not want to make predictions right now. We are heading towards the European Council meeting, we have already expressed our concerns, all of us, and we have provided information regarding Turkey's violations and provocative behaviour, and it is in this framework that we have asked for appropriate measures to be taken.
Mr Gasiamis please.
M GASIAMIS: A short while ago, four of Turkey’s fighters flew over Agathonisi. Do you have a comment on this?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Every time, Greece proceeds to a démarche, an emergency protest démarche, to Turkey, for every fly-over. This is what happens every time, and in the démarche we stress that such illegal and provocative actions must cease, as they sharply increase tensions. It could cause other situations. That is what we do regarding Turkey. There is always an emergency protest démarche.
At the same time, we always inform our partners in the European Union, at NATO, and at the UN, the Secretary General.
I do not see any other questions.
JOURNALIST: Sorry for the delay. I shall ask my question quickly.
Mr Pompeo visited Istanbul and met with the Patriarch. Can that be interpreted as a positive stance towards Greece? Namely, had a previous arrangement been made? Was there any other communication with America? And will this... continue in Greek-American relations towards Turkey?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: I will answer your question about Mr Pompeo’s meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch and the issues discussed. Firstly, Mr Pompeo praised the role of His All-Holiness as regards the various initiatives he has been undertaking on an international level for years, such as, for example, the protection of the environment.
They also discussed the matter of religious freedoms in Turkey and his All-Holiness raised the well-known issues he is dealing with.
Lastly, I would like to stress that we attach great importance to the fact that Mr Pompeo emphasised the ecumenical nature of the Patriarch with his visit.
Ms Bali, please.
K. MPALI: Essentially, I would like to repeat the question of my colleague, Mr Sourmelidis, who cannot be heard, regarding the dialogue with Turkey at the NATO level; what stage are we at?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: An agreement was reached at the time on a technical level for the establishment of a line of communication.
K. BALI: Nothing beyond that?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: We will have the next meeting of the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 1 and 2 December. As I mentioned, the Secretary General of NATO will speak with the Minister of Foreign Affairs next week, at which time Mr Dendias will surely inform him once again about Turkey’s violations and provocative behaviour in the Eastern Mediterranean.
A. VOUDOURI: Drawing on Bulgaria’s blocking of the commencement of North Macedonia’s accession negotiations at the most recent General Affairs Council meeting, I would like to ask if it should now be a requirement, in order for accession discussions for each candidate state to begin — I am being careful about the words I choose — with the European Union, for there to be an agreement on historical issues, language issues, or identity issues, and what consequences that would have in general for the European Union’s political interaction, which, as you said earlier, Greece supports, especially that of the Western Balkans. Thank you very much.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Thank you for the question. Firstly, allow me to stress that as early as 1993, at the European Council of Copenhagen, the political and economic criteria based on which a country could become a candidate were set out. That is one basic, fundamental text.
Moving forward, conclusions were agreed over the years regarding specific countries, stating what the criteria are for them to start their accession negotiations. There is a process in place.
S. SIDERIS: Mr Spokesperson, yesterday the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated that in order for the European accession of Serbia and Kosovo to continue, a term of the agreement being signed in Washington must be reviewed. The term concerns the transfer of the Embassy of Serbia in Jerusalem, and that of Kosovo, or, at any rate, the one that will move to Jerusalem.
What is Greece’s position on this matter? Do Serbia and Kosovo have the right to move their Embassies to Jerusalem?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: You would have to ask them and Mr Borrell.
S. SIDERIS: What is Greece’s position? I did not ask about Mr Borrell or Serbia.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: And I repeat, ask Mr Borrell, who you said made the statement.
G. KOUTSOMYTIS: Good morning. I would like to ask about Libya: In recent weeks, discussions have been held in Tunis and they seem to be moving in a positive direction. It is possible that in the coming days the composition of the new government will be announced, which will include participants from both sides. This means that the new government will be called upon to accept or reject the Turkey-Libya memorandum, the Sarraj-Erdogan memorandum.
Are there any thoughts within the Greek government as to what moves need to be made in order to cancel or avert the full legitimisation of this memorandum?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Greece is a country that is very close to Libya, we have been impacted by this situation, and that is why we support efforts to find a sustainable and peaceful solution to this issue. We desire long-term stability in Libya, which is very important to us.
Furthermore, allow me to stress something we have said repeatedly: for this stability to be achieved, foreign forces must withdraw from Libya.
L. ZACHARIS: Good morning from me as well. I would like to ask what is happening with regard to Greece’s diplomatic representation in Syria. We know that the Embassy closed 8 years ago, but the Minister of Foreign Affairs sent Ms Tasia Athanasiou as a special envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I would like to ask if there is a plan and timeline regarding Syria, given that it could be a potential ally against Turkey’s provocations.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Firstly, Ambassador Athanasiou is the special envoy of the Minister on the issue of Syria, based in Athens. A charge d'affaires for Greece has been appointed in Syria, who is based in Beirut.
JOURNALIST: Hello. I would like to ask about Greece-Turkey affairs; what stage are we at, who is speaking with whom, are there any developments, because at the moment it seems as though there is no contact.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: As I mentioned in the past, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr Çavuşoğlu, called Mr Dendias about 10 days ago and asked him under what conditions a meeting between the two of them could be held and exploratory talks commence. Mr Dendias stressed that as long as Turkey’s provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean continue, as long as the Oruç Reis remains where it is, there is no framework, no possibility for constructive dialogue. But of course, as we said, if they stop, we are always open to a constructive dialogue with Turkey on the basis of International Law.
S. SIDERIS: Mr Spokesperson, I would like to ask about the progress for having recourse to the Hague with Albania. Have there been any contacts?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: During the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Dendias, to Tirana 4 weeks ago, an agreement was reached in principle that the issue of delimitation of maritime zones will be resolved through a recourse to the Hague. It must be prepared at some point, of course, joint work must be done, a special agreement to be submitted as foreseen by the procedures of International Law.
That was very important. I would say that all political forces, the government and the main opposition party, expressed themselves very positively regarding this prospect, and, of course, this process will begin. Of course, this will not happen overnight, but there is a political agreement in place.
G. MOUTSOS: Mr Spokesperson, we saw the Prime Minister visit the United Arab Emirates and sign certain agreements of a strategic nature, as was mentioned. Could you tell us more about these types of partnerships? And if you could, tell us what sectors the money from the United Arab Emirates will be invested in, in Greece.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: Please allow me to state simply: It was a Prime Ministerial visit, the Government Spokesperson talked about it, I do not want to go into further detail. The Government Spokesperson will be able to say more about it.
G. MOUTSOS: Understood, thank you.
A. PAPAIOANNOU: It is a matter of principle.
G. KOUTSOMYTIS: Regarding the Caucasus, I wanted to ask about the most recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh. Does the Greek government believe there has been a violation of International Law as regards the use of foreign mercenaries in the region?
A. PAPAIOANNOU: As I said earlier, Greece wants this issue to be resolved based on International Law, and that is why we are supporting the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group in the framework of the OSCE.
November 20, 2020