Athens, 11 October 2007

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Good morning.

Today, Thursday, 11 October, at 13:00, Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis will receive the Austrian Ambassador to Athens, Mr. Herbert Kröll, at the Foreign Ministry ahead of his departure from Greece.

On Monday, 15 October 2007, the Foreign Minister will participate in the proceedings of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, which will take place in Luxembourg. Ms. Bakoyannis will be accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Valinakis.

The General Affairs section of the agenda will include the following: the Greek initiative for strengthening the European Union's mechanism for dealing with crisis and emergency situations will be discussed. I remind you that this was a Greek initiative that began immediately following the tragic events with the forest fires this past August, and it has been put on the Council's agenda.

The External Relations agenda includes World Trade Organization issues, preparation for the EU-Russia Summit Meeting, Chad, Burma/Myanmar – the developments there – and of course developments in the Middle East, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya and Iran.

The main subject of the Foreign Ministers’ luncheon will be the discussion of developments in the Western Balkans, with emphasis on Kosovo. Developments in Zimbabwe will also be discussed.

On the margins of the Council, the EU-Croatia Intergovernmental Conference is to take place, and there will also be cooperation councils with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Doukas will meet on Monday, 15 October, at 10:30, with FAO Director General Mr. Diouf. The meeting will be followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on food assistance, and statements will be made to the press.

On Tuesday, 16 October, Mr. Doukas will accompany the President of the Republic to Paris on his official visit to the 34th UNESCO General Conference.

That's it for announcements. Are there any questions?

Ms. Fryssa: I would like your comment on the probable replacement of Mr. Moller in Cyprus.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As far as I know reservations have been expressed regarding Mr. Moller by only one side. What one can say at this stage is that the possible replacement of Mr. Moller cannot but cause further delays with regard to the efforts to implement the 8 July agreement, regarding which, as everyone knows, the efforts to delay – the pretexts and retractions – of the Turkish Cypriot side are well known.

Ms. Karaviti: Given that doubts have been expressed, because there have been relevant comments from MPs of the governing party, I would like you to tell me whether the Greek government continues to trust in the mediation efforts of Mr. Nimetz. His objectivity.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Mr. Nimetz continues to act within the framework of his mandate as the Secretary General’s Personal Envoy, which is still in effect. Of course, Greece, as you know, is participating in this effort in an active and constructive manner.

Mr. Santamouris: When Mr. Nimetz made his statements regarding Alexander the Great to a newspaper in our neighboring country, he said that past events are not important; my opinion on these is not important. What is important is the future. We assume that it was by same reasoning that Ms. Bakoyannis stated that, in short, Greek policy regarding the name issue looks to the future. Does this converging – if not identical – phrasing have some deeper diplomatic message, or not?

And a second question: Mr. Nimetz stated that he hopes that in Skopje and in Athens, in the governments and in the opposition parties, there are those who have a sense of national interest, but also have a sense of the framework within which the future of the region must be determined. I would like your comment on that. Thank you.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding your first question – and to avoid any misunderstanding – in the Minister's statements there was also a first section which concerned the issue of assessing the historical contribution and presence of Alexander the Great.

I remind you that the Foreign Minister said that history is a given, it is well known, and that history cannot be rewritten and is not being rewritten.

Regarding your second question, Greece is approaching this issue in the same way as all the other issues in the region: in terms of the future. As you know, the Greek strategy for the region is a strategy that is forward-looking. We have supported and continue to support the European perspective of all of our neighboring states. Because we believe that this leads to a stable, peaceful future of development.

But at the same time, in order to build a future on firm foundations, pending issues creating negative repercussions in the region must be resolved. One such issue of particular interest to Greece is the name issue, which has been linked for some time now by the Skopje side – beyond the intransigence during the negotiation process itself – with a policy of historically groundless statements and actions of an irredentist mindset.

So what Greece is saying with its eye on the future is that the future – incorporation into alliances or accession to organizations of solidarity and a community of values like the European Union – cannot be built on pending issues, much less pending issues that touch directly on the implementation of the principle of good neighbourly relations.

Regarding your second question, concerning Mr. Nimetz's stance, I don't think any comment is needed. You are aware of the Greek perception of where we stand at this time on the Skopje issue.

Mr. Santamouris: (off microphone) ..., that is, for there to be people in Skopje and Athens who have a sense of national interest, but also of the framework within which the problems in the region must be resolved.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I think that all of the responsible officials who handle foreign policy issues in the Greek political system all have the necessary sense of responsibility to handle issues as serious as this. I have no further comment.

Mr. Vatikiotis: Mr. Spokesman, following the most recent announcements from US sources, does the Greek government continue to consider the role of the US in the resolution of the Skopje name issue to be constructive? That's the first question.

And my second question is this: Last summer, in August, immediately following the cease-fire in Lebanon, the Foreign Minister carried out a visit to certain countries in the Middle East and chose not to visit Syria, apparently following a ...

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: That is incorrect. The Foreign Minister visited Syria.

Mr. Vatikiotis: … isn’t the case? Regarding the first question, then.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the other issue you raised, there are the statements of Ms. DiCarlo – I assume you're referring to those.

Assistant Deputy Secretary of State Ms. DiCarlo expresses the views that are known to be those of the US administration on the issue.

Greece has a firm policy, well known to all. I have no further comment on this.

It is wrong to focus on just one portion of the statements of the U.S. official.

We note Ms. DiCarlo’s clear urging for substantial negotiations and a constructive stance to find a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue. As you know, this is the position and consistent pursuit of Greece. This is what is provided for in the relevant Security Council Resolutions and the Interim Accord. That is, the achievement of a mutually acceptable solution.

As for what constitutes a prerequisite for a country’s accession to a military alliance such as NATO, we believe that no one can disagree that, among other things, real respect for good neighbourly relations is of fundamental importance, particularly between a state that is endeavouring to join an Alliance and a bordering state that is one of the Alliance’s oldest members.

Moreover, no one can question the fact that each member state of the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions has and fully retains all the rights arising from their participation in these institutions.

In any case, Greece will make an overall judgement regarding Skopje’s candidacy for NATO as well as the EU.

Our positions are clear and have been set out for everyone: friends, partners, allies, everyone with whom we discuss regional issues.

Ms. Spanou: The New Democracy MP Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated yesterday on 98.4 Radio that the Interim Accord has essentially expired for some time now. Is this also the view of the Foreign Ministry? Thank you.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I think that Mr. Mitsotakis added immediately afterwards that this was his personal opinion.

Ms. Spanou: So it's not the case?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: He himself said that it is his personal opinion. The framework within which we are moving at this time and that has been set out repeatedly is that the Interim Accord has a specific objective. That is why it was concluded; that is, to assist in the resolution of the issue in a manner acceptable to both parties. This is the objective of the Interim Accord; the final strategic objective. Beyond that, we have also repeatedly said that this Accord cannot be implemented selectively.

Mr. Pollatos: Mr. Spokesman, could you please clarify for us whether the FYROM name issue is a prerequisite – a criterion – for the accession of our neighboring country to NATO.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I've already answered this question. If I wasn’t understood, I can repeat it.

Mr. Pollatos: Understood fully. But allow me: whether the name issue is one of the criteria that must be fulfilled as a candidate.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I answer that no one can deny that for a state to accede to an organization – one that is an alliance, in fact – this cannot take place on the basis of pending issues that concern the good neighbourly relations of the candidate state with another bordering state that is already a member state of the alliance/organization.

Intransigence on the still-unresolved name issue combined with the Skopje policy of the past year concern an issue of failure to respect the principle of good neighbourly relations.

We want a mutually acceptable solution on this issue. That is our objective, as set down by the Security Council resolutions; this is the objective of the Interim Accord.

Mr. Pollatos: From what I understand, the name issue is not among the criteria that FYROM must satisfy; it is not within the framework of the criteria. Let me put it another way. If the items on the list of criteria that must be satisfied by Skopje are satisfied, implemented, will we consent to their accession to NATO or the European Union at some point as FYROM?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I also answered to this when I said that the Greek decision will be taken based on an overall assessment. The issue of respect for good neighbourly relations is major – I stress this – is major particularly when we are talking about the prospect of accession to an alliance and the creation of allied relations. A solution is needed. These issues cannot be perpetuated. Solutions are needed; mutually acceptable solutions so that we can move ahead to a future for the region – as we see it – of peace and stability and economic development.

Mr. Papathanasiou: In his interview with the Skopje newspaper, Mr. Nimetz also urged the two sides to start direct negotiations. In the Foreign Minister's recent meetings in New York was the eventuality of this prospect for direct negotiations discussed, perhaps with a timeframe, and is the prospect of this happening within the framework of a new effort on the part of Mr. Nimetz on the cards?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I must confess that I haven't seen that information recorded in any of the official statements made by Mr. Nimetz.

Mr. Papathanasiou: In his interview with the newspaper.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: That he has called the parties to direct talks?

Mr. Papathanasiou: He says either through talks within the UN framework, or through direct negotiations.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As you know, a specific process is in progress under the auspices of the UN, with a Personal Envoy of the Secretary General, for the finding of a solution on this issue. This is the process. Within this process, Greece is participating with a constructive attitude.

Mr. Papathanasiou: The second part was whether the possibility, the prospect of direct negotiations was discussed in New York.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: No – no, such an eventuality was not discussed at all.

Mr. Santamouris: Should the Interim Accord cease to be in force, on what legal and on what practical grounds might the negotiations evolve? And whether, in this case, alternative plans have been studied by the Greek side.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Your question is of a hypothetical nature. Nevertheless, as an exception, and for the sake of clarity, I want to stress that we are within the framework of the Interim Court. The Interim Court is in effect. We are not in the framework of a withdrawal from the Interim Accord. Beyond that, it is a given that this Accord – just like every other bilateral agreement – is in effect until someone withdraws.

Ms. Karaviti: I want to ask whether you have any news regarding the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s meeting with the President of the Turkish Republic.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I think you know the statements that have been made. I have nothing to add to that. Greece's positions are well known. The future of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, its effective operation and the protection of its rights, including its property rights, is an issue that has been included in texts concerning the course of Turkey's candidacy for accession to the European Union. Within this framework, Greece is monitoring the situation with particular interest for reasons of which you are aware.

Mr. Pollatos: Within the same framework, I would like you to clarify for me when Mr. Xydas will officially take up his duties as Greek Ambassador to Ankara. And second: What is the Greek government's position on a possible invasion by Turkish forces of northern Iraq in order to clean out the bases of PKK rebels?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the first issue, at this time I don't know the specific time at which the decision of the posting committee will be implemented. Ambassador Mr. Xydas has been stationed at our Embassy in Ankara. He will be the next head of the Embassy. But I don't have information regarding when he will take up his duties. As you know, a certain amount of time intervenes before the committee's decisions are implemented.

Regarding your second question, terrorism is a phenomenon that needs to be confronted – effectively confronted – but it is not just a matter of an after-the-fact policy against terrorism. One must seek the causes that create it and also confront this phenomenon at its roots. Beyond that, regarding the issue of – as you put it – possible military moves beyond the border with Iraq, the position is firm not only for Greece, but also for the European Union regarding respect for the territorial integrity and independence of Iraq.

Mr. Santamouris: Do you have anything on the recognition of the Armenian genocide by the U.S. House of Representatives?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: No, I don't have anything. Let me just remind you that on 25 April 1996 the Hellenic Parliament passed a resolution recognising the Armenian genocide.

Thank you.