Athens
, 6 September 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Every citizen of this country is aware that the next two years will be extremely critical for Greece, and particularly for the economy. And this is what led the Prime Minister to his bold decision to request a new mandate for governing our country. I am certain that – when things have settled following the people’s initial surprise and impressions – Greeks will recognize that this move made by Kostas Karamanlis is backed by the ethos of a party that puts the interests of the country first, and they will choose our path. It is a difficult path, but a conscientious one that is in our national interest. I am optimistic, and I am 100% behind this endeavor.
But it is not just the economy that renders imperative decisions that will affect us nationally.
In foreign policy, as well, we are entering a period that is critical for our country: in the next six months, all of the major issues in Greek foreign policy will come to major turning points.
On the FYROM name issue, the negotiations under the UN are entering a new phase. We have to do everything in our power to achieve the best possible result.
The Gruevski government – with its grand openings and attempts to pick history’s pocket – thinks that it can rewrite the past. It is pushing the people of our neighbouring country towards fanaticism and bigotry, and this is increasing the distance between them and their Euroatlantic perspective. Greece is participating in the negotiations in a constructive spirit and for the purpose of achieving a mutually acceptable solution without winners or losers.
Our government – Kostas Karamanlis’ government – has succeeded in making this the message that the international community, the EU and NATO are also sending to Skopje. Our red lines are and will remain inviolable.
A solution with a compound name, with a geographical qualifier, for use by everyone. A solution that benefits everyone. A solution towards a future of cooperation and security for our region and our peoples.
On the Cyprus issue, the negotiations are entering a critical stage. Despite the difficulties and obstacles, the talks are moving ahead. This is a difficult process. The negotiations are meeting with obstacles. But the conditions are there for a solution. This solution – a bizonal, bicommunal federation – will have to be just, viable and functional, without obsolete systems of guarantees.
Turkey – which on this issue is a basic factor in shaping the conduct of the Turkish Cypriots – still has time to show that its declarations regarding zero problems with its neighbours are not mere words. Turkey has to bring its policy into line with the fact that honouring its commitments – behaving in a truly European manner – is the only road that can take Turkey to Europe. A prospect that we look forward to.
We are also winding up Greece’s OSCE Chairmanship, having shown that Greece has a trusted, strong and effective voice in an international environment that is growing ever more competitive.
And environment that is characterized not only by political instability, but also by the globalization of markets, intense international competition and the internationalization of enterprises.
Economic diplomacy is emerging as one of the most important factors in promoting national interests and Greek business activities abroad, as you can see from the exhibits in the pavilion that we are opening here today.
Using the tools of Economic Diplomacy, we are promoting the internationalization of Greek enterprises and their improved competitiveness globally. We are turning the comparative advantages of the Greek economy to account to increase our exports and attract foreign investment in our country.
That is why we are constantly upgrading our participation in the Thessaloniki International Fair. The Foreign Ministry is contributing with all the means at its disposal to the internationalization of this major commercial event in Thessaloniki. The presentation of new markets that we are opening up and the tools that we have created and put at the disposal of Greek enterprises are our contribution to the success of the TIF, which I think is a given for yet another year.
With these thoughts, I open the Foreign Ministry’s pavilion at the 74th Thessaloniki International Fair.