Athens , 10 June 2010

Main Points

On Greek policy on the Middle East

·       “In the Middle East, Greece has history and a strong traditionally privileged relationship with the Arab world. We are using this relationship as a basis in order to broaden the range of our cooperation with these countries on a bilateral level and regionally. At the same time, we have a sincere relationship of cooperation with Israel; a relationship that is to our country’s benefit.”

·       “Greece’s objective – what we are working for – is for us to achieve peace in the Middle East, because that is the source of the problems we are facing today. And if we do not deal with that source, we will not have sustainable results. The situation in Gaza is tragic. The blockade must be lifted, and we are doing everything we can to improve the lives of these people – if only just a little. For this reason, Greece and Cyprus have undertaken a joint effort to seek ways to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

·       “Europe does not have the presence it should have in the Middle East. Its voice must be stronger. It is strong in terms of development aid, it is strong in the humanitarian field, but it needs to have a say on the political level too.”

·       “Without unity among the Palestinians, essentially we cannot reach a solution; that is obvious, and nor can we talk with multiple power centers either. This is why Greece fully supports Egypt's long-standing efforts for intra-Palestinian understanding. This is certainly a precondition. But we must not doubt either that progress on the talks could create a more positive momentum for intra-Palestinian understanding.”

On the flyover of a Turkish fighter jet over the frigate SALAMIS

·       “The overflight over the “Salamis” frigate is an unacceptable action, and the Greek Embassy has already made a demarche to Ankara. We expressed our deep annoyance, but obviously this action also raises the question of what exactly it is that Turkey wants from its relations with Greece, because such actions are in no case consistent with the Turkish political leadership’s declarations about an improvement in its relations with Greece. They are not in line with Turkey’s foreign policy doctrine of zero problems with its neighbours.”

On the FYROM Foreign Minister’s statement regarding the financial situation in Greece

·       “As regards Mr. Milososki, I see that his imagination knows no bounds in his effort to find excuses not to move ahead with substantial negotiations. The FYROM leadership has to do one thing only: take the political decision to negotiate constructively in order to reach a solution. The framework for the solution is clear, we have described it. There have been negotiations for about 17 years now. What we need is responsible political leaderships that will take responsible political decisions. In this case, we can reach a solution promptly. Greece is ready to do this, but let's not look for pretexts not to negotiate.”

Full transcript (translation)

Mr. Delavekouras: Good morning. I’ll start with the Ministers’ programmes.

Earlier today, Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas participated in a discussion on a current question from SYRIZA MP Kourakis concerning Israel’s military operation against the activists’ flotilla.

Mr. Droutsas will accompany the Prime Minister on tomorrow’s visit to Austria, where he will meet with the Federal Chancellor and the Austrian President, and participate in a conference being organized by the Institute of International Finance.

On Monday, 14 June, Mr. Droutsas will participate in the EU General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Councils in Luxembourg. Deputy Foreign Minister Spyros Kouvelis will also participate in the Council.

The Foreign Affairs Council will look at events in the Eastern Mediterranean, and specifically the Israeli operation; Iran; the Corfu Process; the EU’s response to natural disasters following the experience of managing the crisis in Haiti; piracy off the coast of Somalia; and the Western Balkans.

The discussion on the Western Balkans will focus on the recent high-level meeting the Spanish Presidency held in Sarajevo with countries of the region.

The agenda for the General Affairs Council will include preparations  for the June 17 European Council, as well as the issue of Citizens’ Initiative, and there will be a presentation of the Commission’s  Strategic Report 2010 on the implementation of Cohesion Policy.

At 13:30 on Tuesday, 15 June, Mr. Droutsas will participate in the Prime Minister’s meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang, who will be visiting our country at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Pangalos.

And on Thursday, 17 June, Alternate Minister Droutsas will accompany the Prime Minister at the proceedings of the European Council, where there is to be a discussion of the Europe 2020 strategy for growth and employment, economic governance, the Millennium Development Goals, the G-20 Meeting in Toronto, climate change, and migration and asylum.

Regarding Mr. Kouvelis’ programme, let me note again that he will be participating in the GAC and FAC on Monday, 14 June, and on Tuesday, 15 June, he will participate in the Prime Minister’s talks with the Chinese Vice Premier.

Let me remind you that the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia will have its final meeting under Greece’s Chairmanship today. The agenda for discussions includes issues of operational coordination of naval forces in the region, criminal prosecution of pirates and the containment of piracy, and the protection of merchant vessels.

At the end of the proceedings there will be a communiqué on the results of the Meeting, and there will be a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York.

That’s it for announcements. Your questions, please.

Mr. Athanasopoulos: Good morning. I would like you to clarify for us once again Greece’s negotiating basis on the FYROM name issue. When you have told us, I will ask another question.

Mr. Delavekouras: Greece’s position is that we are talking about a name with a geographical qualifier for use in relation to everyone. Greece has shown that it wants to achieve a solution – we are working towards that end. We have worked to improve the climate in the relations between the two countries. To date, at least – from the indications we have had from Skopje – this effort has not met with the desired response.

We hope that this political decision will be taken by the leadership of our neighboring country so that we can see real progress; so that we can reach a mutually acceptable solution and put to rest this issue that is impacting our region as a whole.

We are ready to move ahead. Our positions are very clear and well known to everyone. Our positions have been understood by the international community, and we are now waiting for the Skopje side to take the political decision that will free up the country’s Euroatlantic perspective.

Because it must be clear that without a solution on the name issue, we cannot talk about FYROM’s accession to NATO or the opening of accession negotiations with the EU.

Mr. Athansopoulos: Can you clarify what exactly the government means by “in relation to everyone”? And I ask you this: Does it concern the changing of Skopje’s constitutional name? Thank you.

Mr. Delavekouras: In relation to everyone means in relation to everyone (erga omnes). It needs no explanation. It is obvious. When we talk about a solution, we need to be certain that this solution will be implemented. We have the precedent of the Interim Accord, which was not implement – which was violated. We have the fact of FYROM’s trying in every way and at every opportunity to violate the resolutions of the United Nations and the Interim Accord.

That is why we are talking about a solution that will be implemented. If that means a change in FYROM’s constitutional name, then that will have to happen.

Ms. Kourbela: I would like to ask something about the 17 June European Council. It is thought probable, probably certain, that there will be a discussion of a possible revision of the Treaty so as to achieve stricter regulations on the issue of the financial system. Does Greece have any positions on the issue?

Mr. Delavekouras: The economic governance issue has been under discussion for some time now, in light of the economic crisis that all of Europe is facing. It is a matter concerning which the Finance Minister has had meetings in recent days. And these discussions are expected to continue, but they are currently under way.

Financial governance will certainly be discussed at the European Council, but I don’t think the time has come for final decisions.

Mr. Fourlis: Can you tell us whether FYROM submitted its opinions to the ICJ in the Hague yesterday or early this morning, in reply to the Greek positions that were submitted in January?

Mr. Delavekouras: Yes, as far as I know, that happened yesterday, which was FYROM’s time-limit for submitting a Counter-Memorial to the Greek Memorial. Now it is Greece’s turn. 27 October is the time-limit we have for submitting our Rejoinder on the two Memorials – essentially the Counter-Memorial submitted by the FYROM side.

The Court will then decide on the subsequent procedure so that we can essentially move on to the oral process.

Mr. Fourlis: (off microphone) If you are prepared, of course, I would like you to give us an outline of Greek foreign policy on Israel and, I would say, the Arab world in general. Because there is, I would say, a vagueness as to the intentions of the Greek government.

On the one hand I was informed by the Defense Ministry that ther is satisfaction … at the joint exercise carried out in recent days with Israel – last week, if I’m not mistaken. And this progress, this cooperation and our relationship is apparently considered and assessed as important, and that, moreover, it serves our national interests in the direction of other parameters.

On the other hand, we frequently hear you say that … our relations with the Arab world, we see the Prime Minister who went to Libya, we understand that there are investments. And I want to say that it seems a little like you are smiling to the right and smiling to the left, but without knowing precisely what you want to do. Whether you can clarify for us what you want from Israel and what you want from the rest.

Mr. Delavekouras: Greece’s basic criterion in setting foreign policy is the serving of the country’s interests. That is the point of reference based on which foreign policy is set by the responsible government of the country and implemented by the Foreign Ministry.

In the Middle East, Greece has history and a strong traditionally privileged relationship with the Arab world. We are using this relationship as a basis in order to broaden the range of our cooperation with these countries on a bilateral level and regionally.

At the same time, we have a sincere relationship of cooperation with Israel; a relationship that is to our country’s benefit. In a clear and categorical manner, Greece condemned Israel’s action, calling it an illegal military operation in international waters against a flotilla of activists that included Greek vessels.

This position is clear. It was expressed not only in words, but through specific actions: the discontinuation of the Greek-Israeli military exercise that was in progress, and the postponement of the arrival here of the Head of the Israeli Air Force General Staff.

Greece’s objective – what we are working for – is for us to achieve peace in the Middle East, because that is the source of the problems we are facing today. And if we do not deal with that source, we will not have sustainable results. The situation in Gaza is tragic. The blockade must be lifted, and we are doing everything we can to improve the lives of these people – if only just a little.

For this reason, Greece and Cyprus have undertaken a joint effort to seek ways to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. But that is not the end of the story. The end of the story can come only with a successful outcome from the negotiations currently under way; the process that was relaunched after many difficulties, and we have to safeguard this.

Greece has views and an opinion on this particular issue. I was something that the Alternate Foreign Minister discussed with the Arab Ambassadors the day before yesterday. He will also have a meeting with the Israeli Ambassador. It is something that we are discussing in our contacts with our European partners, with the political leadership of the countries in the region.

There have been contacts with Ashton, with the American side, with Israel, with Arab countries. The objective must be the comprehensive settlement of the Middle East issue. That is the only way for us to get to sustainable peace, and that is what we are working for.

Beyond that, with regard to the Arab world in general, it is obvious that Greece will follow a multileveled foreign policy that will bring us the maximum benefits. Yes, our country is going through a serious economic crisis that we have to deal with. Greece is making the institutional structural changes domestically, but it is also seeking footholds abroad, and this is the context within which the efforts you referred to are being made.

Mr. Papathanasiou: (off microphone) Do you see a role for Greece in this greater effort aimed at a comprehensive settlement on the Middle East issue? And what is the response of the collocutors, Greece’s partners, on these views?

The Prime Minister talked to Ms. Clinton, the Alternate Foreign Minister talked with Arab Ambassadors, there have been certain contacts with the European side, what is the Greek side seeking now, where will it be aiming at within the framework of the General Affairs Council? That is, what are the next steps practically in this whole effort and the initiatives that you will be undertaking?

Mr. Delavekouras: The current situation in the region does not give cause for much optimism and the Israeli army’s operation certainly impacted this process. This is why the Greek government moved in two directions, together with its partners. The first is the humanitarian field, which I mentioned earlier.

There has already been a series of actions, moves and contacts. There is a willingness to discuss things and make progress, but we are of course talking about a very sensitive process. This is why none of the details of this effort have been made public yet. We hope that progress will be made and that it will be visible soon. At the General Affairs Council that will take place on Monday, this issue will be discussed too.

The whole direction in which we are moving is aimed at safeguarding the ongoing peace process. We need to find the elements in this process that will enable both sides to take the bold steps that are needed; to build the trust needed in order to see visible progress, because if we have no visible progress – that is also palpable on the ground, in the local people’s everyday lives – we will not be able to find a viable solution.

We have certain thoughts, but you realise that these processes are very sensitive. We want to have a discussion with our partners within the European Union and make sure that when the European Union comes out to speak, it will speak with a single, clear and loud voice.

Europe does not have the presence it should have in the Middle East. Its voice must be stronger. It is strong in terms of development aid, it is strong in the humanitarian field, but it needs to have a say on the political level too. But at the same time, it needs the cooperation of all the players: the U.S., Russia, the EU and the UN must all speak with the same voice. This is the only way in which we will support the parties in the effort they have launched.

So there will be a broader discussion on the Middle East within the Council, within the framework of which Greece will develop its ideas and thoughts. Concurrently, we will raise certain concerns, such as the ambiguous stance we sometimes see on the part of Turkey, as it has been invoking international law regarding Israel’s actions, but then forgets it when it comes to the occupation of Cyprus. We will mention the Law of the Sea. We will mention the fact that you cannot invoke international law when you yourself refuse to implement and ratify it.

Mr. Athanasopoulos: Do you believe that there can be peace in the Middle East without any kind of involvement in this process of Hamas, which has the control of Gaza? And I am asking this because I want to understand whether the Greek government intends to ask its European partners who are thinking "outside the box" to look at alternative routes, which seem necessary in order for this issue to be resolved. Thank you.

Mr. Delavekouras: Without unity among the Palestinians, essentially we cannot reach a solution; that is obvious, and nor can we talk with multiple power centers either. This is why Greece fully supports Egypt's long-standing efforts for intra-Palestinian understanding. What we should, however, bear in mind is the final outcome.  

But we must not doubt either that progress on the talks could create a more positive momentum for intra-Palestinian understanding. Greece has certain “outside-the-box” thoughts of its own that will be put on the table on Monday. But certainly you’re right in what you are saying, i.e., that intra-Palestinian understanding is a precondition.

Mr. Filis: Mr. Delavekouras, hearing you now, I think you essentially believe, there is a tendency on the part of the country to substitute Turkey as mediator on the Palestinian issue. That is, apart from the European Union, Greece – or Greece and Cyprus together – intend to undertake some initiatives of their own to substitute … perhaps and maybe we could thus definitely become more reliable mediators.

Mr. Delavekouras: Greece does not define itself with reference to Turkey. Greece has a distinct role in the Middle East. We have a history and a privileged relationship with the region. Greece is a member of the European Union and plays a catalytic role in the elaboration of the EU’s common positions on the Middle East. This is where we will focus. We believe that Europe must speak with a clear voice in the Middle East.

With regard to Turkey’s policy, I told you earlier as well that everyone – bar none – should work towards the safeguarding and the continuation of the ongoing negotiations. We must not linger only over images of violence. We must safeguard the negotiating process.

Ms. Galonaki: What would have been Europe’s stance on this incident if what happened to the Turkish mission headed for Palestine had happened to us Greeks, if Greek nationals had been killed? Would a war break out with Israel? What would happen then?

Mr. Delavekouras: We have unequivocally condemned the use of violence, violence used in international waters. This is why we have requested an independent investigation which should shed light on everything in order for justice to be done.

Ms. Galonaki: With Europe?

Mr. Delavekouras: Europe has also requested it. This is what we have asked as the European Union and as the United Nations.

Mr. Fourlis: (off microphone) Mr. Spokesman, as the middle of June draws near, have you come to any additional understanding, renewal and agreement with Ankara to abide by the moratorium, i.e.,  that as of 15 June there will be no crossings, overflights over frigates and generally movements in the Aegean?

Mr. Delavekouras: First of all, I want to take the opportunity of your question to tell you that the overflight over the “Salamis” frigate is an unacceptable action, and the Greek Embassy has already made a demarche to Ankara.

We expressed our deep annoyance, but obviously this action also raises the question of what exactly it is that Turkey wants from its relations with Greece, because such actions are in no case consistent with the Turkish political leadership’s declarations about an improvement in its relations with Greece. They are not in line with Turkey’s foreign policy doctrine of zero problems with its neighbours.

It is an issue that will also be raised on the political level as well, at the first opportunity we get, when the Alternate Foreign Minister meets the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr. Davutoglu. As regards the moratorium, we were expecting that it would start on 15 June and we are expecting that it will be implemented

Mr. Athanasopoulos: Has a date been set for the next round of exploratory contacts with Turkey?

Mr. Delavekouras: The next round of exploratory contacts will be announced following consultation with the Turkish side, when there is such an agreement.

Mr. Athanasopoulos: Before the summer then?

Mr. Delavekouras: I believe so, yes.

Ms. Fryssa: Will you raise the issue of Turkish violations in Luxembourg on Monday?

Mr. Delavekouras: This issue has already been raised. We have given instructions to our Permanent Delegation to both NATO and the European Union to raise this issue.

Ms. Ristovska: I wanted to ask if there are any contacts with Mr. Mathew Nimetz, if you have any news, because Foreign Minister Milososki said – two days ago, I think – that the economic crisis in Greece has played a role and that it is difficult for you to be in contact with Mr. Nimetz.

Mr. Delavekouras: Greece, the Greek side, is in continuous contact with Mr. Nimetz. As regards Mr. Milososki, I see that his imagination knows no bounds in his effort to find excuses not to move ahead with substantial negotiations.

The FYROM leadership has to do one thing only: take the political decision to negotiate constructively in order to reach a solution. The framework for the solution is clear, we have described it. There have been negotiations for about 17 years now. What we need is responsible political leaderships that will take responsible political decisions. In this case, we can reach a solution promptly.

Greece is ready to do this, but let's not look for pretexts not to negotiate.

Ms. Ristovska: (question off microphone regarding the eventuality of a new meeting between Mr. Nimetz and representatives from both countries)

Mr. Delavekouras: No, no news.

Ms. Koliopoulou: A clarification on the Hague process. How exactly is it unfolding?

Mr. Delavekouras: This process has nothing to do with the process of negotiations. It is an ongoing legal procedure and the next steps provide for the Greek side to submit a Rejoinder by 27 October, and then the court – in consultation with both sides, with both parties – will decide what the following steps will be, essentially moving on to the hearings.

Are there any more questions? Thank you very much.