Athens, 18 March 2011

Mr. Economopoulos: We had a meeting a short while ago at the Defence Ministry between the Foreign and Defence Ministers to decide on our country’s next steps ahead of the attack on Libya. Foreign Ministry spokesman Gregory Delavekouras is on the line to fill us in.

Mr. Delavekouras: Good morning.

Ms. Theodorou: Hello, Mr. Delavekouras. What is the Greek government’s position on the UN Security Council’s resolution?

Mr. Delavekouras: First of all, it is a very important resolution, which was passed late last night, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the taking of all necessary measures to protect civilians. It is a very important resolution, because it shows that the international community wants to see an end to the situation we see in Libya right now. Beyond that, Greece, like every member of the international community, must respect the Security Council Resolution and we are waiting to see precisely this result: For the bloodshed in Libya to stop immediately.

Mr. Economopoulos: How will we be involved in this operation, Mr. Delavekouras? Greece, I mean.

Mr. Delavekouras: It’s still too early to talk about anything specific. In a short while, we will have the first meeting – since the Resolution – of the North Atlantic Council, the NATO Council. Later this afternoon, there will be a meeting under the Prime Minister for an in-depth discussion, and we will have to look at the developments. We are coordinating with our partners and allies. We need to be prepared and we need to ensure that the hostilities are stopped; that this operation being carried out against civilians is stopped right now.

Ms. Theodorou: If we are asked to assist, Mr. Delavekouras, we will assist, we assume.

Mr. Delavekouras: First of all, I’m saying that we are members of NATO, and that right now consultations are starting at the Alliance with our other allies so that we can see what our next steps will be.

Ms. Theodorou: When are we expecting these decisions?

Mr. Delavekouras: I can’t jump to any conclusions. We will have the first meetings at the Council today, and we will have to see what the other allies’ stances are so that we can formulate the NATO position.

Mr. Economopoulos: I imagine that the base in Souda, which has already recently become … a base that will be very useful in this operation.

Mr. Delavekouras: Again, until there are specific decisions – and the NATO deliberations will not be easy – we shouldn’t draw any conclusions. We need to see what decisions are taken and the planning that is made, so that we can see what our next steps are going to be. But we have to note, once again, that it is a very important Resolution, which demands an immediate ceasefire.

Ms. Theodorou: One last question: Do you think this Resolution was too long in coming?

Mr. Delavekouras: This is what the international community asked for, and this is what the Security Council did with its first Resolution: protection of civilians, and we should have seen this sooner. Nevertheless, we have to be aware of the strictures involved in passing such important resolutions: the differing views in the international community. And that is why I’m saying that the passing of this Resolution is very important: the 15 members of the Security Council were able to decide together on this course.

Ms. Theodorou: Thank you very much, Mr. Delavekouras.

Mr. Delavekouras: Thank you.

Ms. Theodorou: Take care.

Mr. Economopoulos: Have a good afternoon. That was Foreign Ministry spokesman Gregory Delavekouras.