Athens , 1 June 2009

Journalist: I would like your comment on Tayyip Erdogan’s admission that the expulsion of minorities from Turkey in the past was fascism.

Ms. Bakoyannis: I think it is a courageous statement. As you know, respect for minorities and real protection for their rights is a major European prerequisite for all of the countries that want to join the European family at some point. As a firm supporter of Turkey’s European adaptation, Greece obviously welcomes such statements, which indicate Turkey’s determination to stay on the path to Europe; the path of steady adaptation of its conduct – both at home and abroad – to European principles and values. Of course, it is equally obvious that actions speak louder than words. And Turkey’s course towards Europe is being assessed and monitored constantly, based on its actions.

Journalist: How do you interpret the shift – in favour of Greece’s positions – of the U.S. Congress on the Skopje issue? In your assessment, does this foreshadow a more comprehensive shift from the Obama administration on the issue?

Ms. Bakoyannis: Listen, in recent years, there has been a systematic and methodical effort to promote Greece’s positions and arguments with members of Congress. Through organized interventions on all levels, we have developed constructive channels of communication. There were positive indications in the first few months of our collaboration with the new U.S. administration. And this includes the constant U.S. urging of FYROM to contribute constructively to the negotiations with our country on resolving the name issue. The U.S., like Greece, is interested in our neighbouring country’s Euroatlantic course. We believe that we can deepen even further our cooperation with the U.S. on all the issues we are addressing. Moreover, with regard to our difference with Skopje, we have shown our constructive stance through our actions. Within this framework, we remain firmly in the negotiations and we are seeking a mutually acceptable solution based on a compound name, with a geographical qualifier, for use by everyone (erga omnes).