Ask the Ambassador! Κείμενο συνέντευξης

Ask the Ambassador!

I would like to express our appreciation for the strong support by the US and the Greek Americans to our efforts to overcome the economic situation.

Greece is determined to make the best use of the ongoing sacrifices of our people, of the European solidarity, and the support of our partners in order to fully expand its real potential.

In 2012, we disproved the worst-case scenarios for Greece and in 2013 we will put every effort to exceed the best-case scenarios.

The government has been intensively focusing its efforts on encouraging growth-promoting policies. Greece can “grow out” of its problems. It has all the competitive assets – in terms of human and other resources – to regain growth and credibility in the world market.

Greece offers tremendous potential in areas such as renewable energy, tourism infrastructure, environmental management, food and beverage production, life sciences and information and communications technology. It is also endowed with exquisite produce of unique quality. Greece has tremendous possibilities and opportunities.

Greece is a country many treasures. Its sun-kissed natural beauty, the rich and vibrant history and culture, and the Mediterranean climate make it unique.

• Were you a consulate in Boston many years ago? Anna Poulos.

Ambassador Panagopoulos: Indeed! I was Consul in Boston from 1983 to 1985 and then Consul General until 1989. I have also served as Consul General in Los Angeles (1994-1999). America makes me feel right at home, not only because it is the third time in my career that I am posted in the US, but also because there are so many things that remind me of my home country, bringing out the deep affinities of our two nations and our shared values that form the strong foundations of Greek-U.S. excellent relations. Allow me at this point to express our appreciation for the strong support by the US and the Greek Americans to our efforts to overcome the economic situation.
Being in the US again gives me once more the opportunity to get in touch and admire the large and flourishing Greek American community that constitutes an important link joining the peoples of the two countries. In Greece we are proud of its achievements. I am confident that it will continue to be a solid pillar of progress and especially in this momentum it can also play a pivotal role in bringing together American and Greek entrepreneurship and investments.

• I would like to know if Greece regrets giving up monopolistic control of its currency. David Newman.

Ambassador Panagopoulos: Dear Mr. Newman, the financial crisis that broke out in 2008 brought to the forefront the close interdependence and interconnectedness of the global economy. No economy is isolated from the rest of the world.
The crisis was quick to spread across the Atlantic into Europe, bringing to the surface the systemic weaknesses of the Eurozone architecture, severely affecting Greece as well as other countries of the European countries.
I believe that the answer to the situation has always been more rather than less Europe, i.e., the challenge is to actually complete the Monetary and Economic Union. The EU has to provide a framework within which nation states can converge and national economies can integrate. As the Prime Minister of Greece has underlined, “more political integration, plus more responsibility by each and every one of us, plus more solidarity among us, plus more competitiveness, equals more Europe, more prosperity within its limits and more world influence beyond its borders”.
Last December, the European leaders agreed on the need to sustain momentum in tackling the financial crisis. The recent European decisions are definitive proof of the commitment being shown by Greece and the Eurozone to a positive economic future. Greece is determined to make the best use of the ongoing sacrifices of our people, of the European solidarity, and the support of our partners in order to fully expand its real potential.

• Dear Mr. Ambassador, as a young Greek-American about to graduate college, I am particularly concerned about the high unemployment rate in Greece, especially among young people. How much longer can this go on? Do you think there is any hope for recovery in the near future? James Tsaparlis. 

Ambassador Panagopoulos: Dear Mr. Tsaparlis, the current economic situation has indeed brought about severe economic and social issues, the effects of which are without precedent in modern Greek history. In order to overcome this unprecedented economic crisis, we have had to take painful measures. We must recognize the economic sacrifices of the Greek people which over the recent months, have brought about impressive macroeconomic adjustments.
Greece has focused its efforts to turning the tide by enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment, and accelerating privatizations. Bureaucracy is being tackled; procedures to establish new companies are being simplified; and incentives to investors are being offered, with a view to developing an attractive business environment.
These efforts have already yielded positive results. In 2012, we disproved the worst-case scenarios for Greece and in 2013 we will put every effort to exceed the best-case scenarios. Greece will be focusing on economic growth and market opportunities, while also addressing the problem of unemployment, especially among the youth, namely Greece’s future.

• I love to travel to Greece as often as I can, but for some odd reason, what I truly cannot fathom is the fact that Greece, in its current economic state, seems to close its doors to tourism outside of Europe…. Olympic Airways has ceased routes from USA along with all other airlines that tried to take up the route… only flights I can find are from 1-3 stops - there are currently no non-stop flights to Greece - and with that said, the prices are extraordinarily high - anywhere from 1200-1800 and higher… this does not make sense to me… I know this must be a difficult question to answer with many factors, but I would like to know if this will change in the near future. I would love to go to Greece, and even with the high airfare, it makes no sense to spend that much for 1-2 weeks - not many Americans have 4-week vacations. Will we see a change in traveling to Greece via air in the near future? Manolis Kasapidis.

Ambassador Panagopoulos: Dear Mr. Kasapidis, you are right to say that Greece is a country of many treasures. Its sun-kissed natural beauty, the rich and vibrant history and culture, and the Mediterranean climate make it unique. Unfortunately, airlines have decided, on the basis of commercial criteria, that a year-long direct flight is not to their benefit. However, companies like Delta Airlines and Qatar Airways have announced that they will start direct flights from New York in the spring/summer of 2013. Also, the Greek-American community has been very active in contacting big companies such as United Airlines to start direct flights. Yes, changing planes can be a minor hassle, yet it is very worth it when it comes to going to Greece and visiting our world-famous sites of unparalleled beauty (http://www.visitgreece.gr/).

• Dear Mr. Panagopoulos, in your experience talking with American institutions, organizations but also members of the American public, is the claim for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Athens a well-known issue in America? If so, what would you say that people's belief is on the issue? Do Americans support or oppose the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Athens? Could you further comment on the opinion that people have, comparing the opinion of the Greek Americans (American citizens of Greek origin/descend) with the opinion of Americans of other origin? It would be great if you could give us an overall idea about how the issue is circulated, how it is taken, and what more could be done on the other side of the Atlantic.
Thank you, Nikolaos Chatziandreou.

Ambassador Panagopoulos: Dear Mr. Chatziandreou, first and foremost, I would like to underscore that in November 2011, an MOU (memorandum of understanding) between Greece and the USA was put into effect for the protection of Greek cultural goods from illicit importation to the US. The agreement, which was signed by the then Foreign Minister of Greece and the US Secretary of State at the Acropolis Museum in July 2011, ensures the protection of Greek cultural heritage items, dating from 20,000 BC to the 15th century AD. The US authorities will protect invaluable Greek treasures, thus preventing any kind of illegal trafficking.

For instance, American museums have a good record in returning objects associated with the culture of Native Americans to their country of origin - under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPA). NAPGA has set a precedent on an international level that has benefited Greece as well. As a matter of fact, last year the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles repatriated three ancient marble fragments from its collections to Greece.

With reference to the Parthenon Marbles, academic symposiums and conferences held all over U.S. on issues of art repatriation systematically make a special mention to Greece’s right to their return. Initiatives such as the American Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, or public awareness events organized by Greek-American organizations are indicative of the sensibility of the Greek-Americans on the matter. Centers of Hellenic Studies in various American Universities have also illustrated significant work for the shaping of public perceptions on the Parthenon issue.

More public awareness, however, on the just cause of Greece to reunite its cultural heritage is something on which we need to keep working. We invite and encourage scholars, opinion leaders, cultural institutions, and journalists dealing with issues of cultural heritage to raise awareness for the right of Greece to have the Parthenon sculptures back. Athens has a state-of-the-art wonderful new Acropolis museum (http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en) that eagerly waits to welcome the Parthenon Marbles back home.

• How can I convince more of my US students to study abroad in Greece? Euxaristw, kali ebdomada! DR P @THEGREEKSTER.

Ambassador Panagopoulos: The number of foreign students studying in Greek universities for a bachelor or a master’s degree has risen in the last years, especially in the fields of history, philosophy, archeology, and literature. Through academic exchange programs, more than 500 American students every year choose colleges in Athens and Thessaloniki. Distinguished academic staff, professional teaching methods, and international exchanges are some of the advantages that the Greek educational system has to offer. American students also have the opportunity to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of Greece and with the Greek philoxenia (hospitality) and, why not, learn Greek as well!
The State Scholarships Foundation (http://www.iky.gr/en/), as well as many Greek universities, offer scholarships for further education/postgraduate/postdoctoral studies in Greece, please follow our website and social media for relevant information! You can also reach out to fellow students through social media networks.

•    How can we accelerate commercial trade with the US in a manner that benefits the Greek trade surplus? 2012 was the first year in a long time we saw Greece having a surplus with the US. How can we reinforce the trend and augment it? What areas of commerce have the best prospects? Dean Plassaras.

Ambassador Panagopoulos: Dear Mr. Plassaras, supporting and expanding Greek exports is a top priority. It is encouraging that the Greek trade deficit is going down, a fact that is not solely due to fewer imports, but also more exports. This proves that “in crisis lies opportunity”. And there is still a great deal of commercial potential. The Greek authorities are resolved to change the economy’s structure and orient it towards high-productivity sectors, which will help produce internationally tradable goods and services that can be competitive in both the domestic and the external markets.

In this framework, promoting our bilateral trade with the US is part of the Greek National Export Strategy. Among others, we are currently implementing a set of 25 measures to simplify the export process, cutting the time and cost of exporting by 50% and 20% respectively; we have also established a strong cross-ministerial cooperation to create and fortify an overarching, national brand name "GREECE", combining for the first time the historical and cultural context with the modern trade, touristic, agricultural, culinary, dietary etc trends and opportunities. Moreover, by June, the cost of incorporating will be reduced by 50%, according to the WB classification, while close to 1,5 b Euros (annualized) in revolving commercial bank guarantees will support exporting businesses through a new system put in place co-funded by the EU Investment Bank.

For a wide range of our traditional products (i.e. olives, olive oil, wine, cheese, fish etc) we have in-store promotions and other marketing campaigns planned for the year ahead, targeting especially organic food supermarket chains and deli/gourmet stores; I’m sure you’ll be hearing more of those actions in the months to come.

Our Economic Offices in N. York and S. Francisco are working together with the Export Promotion Agency and the exporters in Greece to make the maximum out of the 2013 “Fancy Food” Shows, the largest annual food exhibitions taking place in the US (winter in SF and summer in NYC).

All our Diplomatic Missions in the US are active and in coordination to use art and social events (such as the Greek Film Festival in S. Francisco in May) as well as their good relationships with local authorities (i.e. Mayor Offices, Chambers of Commerce etc) and institutes (e.g. the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley) across the US, to promote Greek products locally. Greece is also close to completing the process of Meat Equivalence required by the USDA, and we hope to soon be able to add also meat products to our export mix to the US. Furthermore, late March we will host in DC (and NYC) a roadshow of Greek tech startups, coming from the S&T Park of Epirus (in Ioannina), to showcase their technologies and explore strategic partnerships, raising funds and also selling their innovative products/services to US businesses and end customers.

Attracting productive investments is also a big challenge. The government has been intensively focusing its efforts on encouraging growth-promoting policies. This momentum also gives us a chance to modernize public administration by reducing the size of the public sector, while at the same time making it more efficient and more business-friendly. At the same time, labor market reform continues, exports are increasing, and competitiveness is improving, while the primary deficit has drastically dropped. All these are tangible indicators that Greece can “grow out” of its problems. It has all the competitive assets – in terms of human and other resources – to regain growth and credibility in the world market.
Greece offers tremendous potential in areas such as renewable energy, tourism infrastructure, environmental management, food and beverage production, life sciences and information and communications technology. It is also endowed with exquisite produce of unique quality. Greece is a country with tremendous possibilities and opportunities (http://www.investingreece.gov.gr/).

• Dear Sir, years ago the French took action around the globe against companies and indeed against nations to stop the use of words they claimed as their own relating to wines. WHY on Earth is not the Hellenic nation doing exactly the same thing over fake feta cheese and so called Greek Yoghurt, Greek Tzatziki...amongst other items. I am sick of seeing great Hellenic food names used to sell much lower quality and poorer tasting products. Ange Kenos, ex Tsamandas, Filiates, Epirus.

Ambassador Panagopoulos: I would like to distinguish between PDO/PGIs for wines and those for food products. In the first case the wine GIs are protected under the EU/US wine agreement, their protection results from their inclusion into the list annexed to the said agreement. These lists have been recently amended and any further inclusion will have to respect the bilateral procedure managed by the EU Commission and the US Trade Representative Office/ USTR.

As for the second case, no bilateral agreement exists yet for food products such as olive oils and cheeses; if negotiated in the future this would be negotiated at EU level by the Commission. In the meantime, it is possible for the group of producers who have a PDO/PGI registered at EU level to seek protection in the US territory. Such a protection is provided on ground of Intellectual Property Rights and it is granted here by the USPTO (The US office for Patents Trademarks). This protection is provided under a specific regulation (you can obtain all the information by visiting USPTO official website, www.uspto.gov). Be aware that US do not have a specific GIs legislation but protect those names on the basis of Trademarks, mainly certification mark (one entity monitors the quality of the goods, but does not itself sell the goods) or, collective mark (a number of producers agree to use a mark based on certain quality standards, and each can sell the goods under the mark). With regards if other MS followed such approach, the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma and the Consorzio del Prosciutto di San Daniele have registered TMs. Observers indicate however that those registrations have not impeded registration of other TMs bearing (very) similar trade names. Thus, if the goal would be to merely try to prevent others from using any and all references to a PDO/ PGI name (e.g. KALAMATA) per se, this is unlikely to happen.

This issue is included in our agenda as one of our main priorities and we work within the transatlantic dialogue between the EU and the US, towards the protection of the EU PDO/PGI products in the US market.

• Mr. Ambassador, what is your opinion about the imminent / possible declaration of EEZ by Greece, from the diplomatic and political perspective? George Mylonas.

Ambassador Panagopoulos: Dear Mr. Mylonas, all coastal states are entitled to establishing their maritime zones, including an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), in accordance with international law and specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  At the time of ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Greece declared that it secures all rights and assumes all the obligations deriving from the said Convention. The precise time and the way in which Greece shall exercise those rights will be further evaluated and decided upon, in accordance to our own national strategy. 

• Dear Mr. Ambassador, knowing that Cyprus and Greece have many oil reserves and deposits all around the Greek Islands, why can we not forge a relationship with the U.S. oil companies who have the ability to extract these reserves and at the same time forge a partnership with Turkey to split revenue accordingly? Thank you, George Cocalis. 

Ambassador Panagopoulos: Dear Mr Cocalis, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a secure legal framework for the exercise of the rights of coastal States. More importantly, international law stipulates that a coastal State exercises sovereign rights for the exploration and exploitation of its continental shelf or its EEZ.

Greece has recently taken concrete steps towards initiating the exploitation of its mineral resources off the coasts of western Greece and southern Crete. 

With regard to Cyprus, it has every right to explore and exploit its EEZ, a right that is recognized by the entire international community except for Turkey. Greece fully supports Cyprus in its exercise of sovereign rights in the Cypriot EEZ. Greece is firmly opposed to Turkey’s threatening actions and tit for tat tactics.