Journalist: Let us now go to Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas, who gave an interesting interview yesterday to the Skopje daily “Dnevnik”, in which you clearly described the framework within which Greece will seek a solution.
Do you believe that your voice, the voice of logic, will fall on welcome ears in Skopje?
Mr. Droutsas: I hope that the voice of logic will be heard. This is the effort that we, the Greek government, have been making from the first moment we took over the governance of this country. We are conducting a foreign policy of initiatives. Particularly with regard to national issues, we want to take matters into our own hands. We want to show the way. We took initiatives including clearly saying to Skopje that our position is well known, that you know what our national red line is: an erga omnes name with a geographical qualifier. This is the Greek proposal; please come to the UN negotiating table with a constructive stance so that we can agree and open the way towards the European Union for your country too. This is something that Greece really wants.
Journalist: Mr. Minister, do you believe that your hands are tied in a way; that the difficult situation with the Greek economy is possibly depriving us of our political power to exercise our foreign policy more easily?
Mr. Droutsas: I have repeatedly said that the country's financial situation does not facilitate our work, including on our foreign policy. Let’s be honest and realistic on that.
But on the other hand, I must stress that Greece has been conducting a foreign policy with clear positions. A foreign policy based on specific principles and on full respect for international law.
Our positions are well known and respected. And I believe that the country’s current economic situation is not impacting the ease with which we are conducting our foreign policy.
Journalist: Mr. Minister, at Tuesday’s meeting between the Prime Minister and President Obama, will all matters be raised; i.e., the whole package? And how does this make things easier on us?
Mr. Droutsas: At such meetings, a discussion is held on issues of concern to both sides. I would like us to see it as a good opportunity for our side to clearly state our positions, our sensitivities on issues of particular Greek interest once again.
It will be a discussion that will cover all issues of common interest, and also issues of particular interest to Greece. And all the major international developments, in which Greece can play a role, such as in the Balkans and the Middle East.
Journalist: Mr. Minister, what is your assessment of Mr. Erdogan’s statements that Turkish military forces might withdraw from Cyprus if both sides agreed?
Mr. Droutsas: Such types of statements are of course positive and are moving in the right direction. But allow me to say that positive and good statements must be followed by actions. Most definitely, if the Turkish Prime Minister says this in all sincerity, it should be noted as positive. But as I said, actions must follow, and not only on this matter.
Journalist: Are you worried about the situation in Turkey? Given the latest arrests and trials of military officials?
Mr. Droutsas: We are monitoring developments in Turkey very carefully. As always, when there are such differences in a neighbouring country, we have to monitor developments closely. We hope that Turkey will follow a course towards a genuine and stable democracy. So please allow me to remind you that Greece openly supports the European accession course of Turkey. Because we hope that precisely through the European accession course, Turkey will be able to proceed with the necessary domestic reforms and we will finally be able to say we have a stable and truly democratic neighbouring state.
Journalist: And one final question, Mr. Minister. How do our EU partners see Agenda 2014; that is, the Western Balkans’ accession promoted by the Greek government? Do they see it in a positive spirit? And do you believe it could help our region?
Mr. Droutsas: I have to say our EU partners have really welcomed the Greek government’s initiative. It is indicative that many EU partners are seeking direct and specific cooperation with Greece on Agenda 2014.
Journalist: Let’s hope so, because Greece’s influence in these difficult times is an extremely important factor. And closing with this, we would like to thank Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas for being with us today.
Mr. Droutsas: Thank you.