Athens, 29 April 2010
Mr. Delavekouras: Good morning. I’ll start with the Ministers’ programmes.
Today at 15:30, Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas will participate in the Prime Minister’s meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, at the Maximos mansion.
At 11:00 tomorrow, 30 April, Mr. Droutsas will attend Parliament to answer a current question from the President of the Popular Orthodox Rally MPs.
At 15:00 tomorrow, Mr. Droutsas will participate in the Economist Conference, which is being held at the Intercontinental Hotel, and the roundtable discussion on Greek-Turkish relations. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Economy Ali Babacan will also participate in the same discussion, and Mr. Droutsas will meet with him at 15:45 at the Intercontinental.
At 10:30 on Monday, 3 May, Mr. Droutsas will meet at the Foreign Ministry with the Greek MEPs, and at 12:30 he will participate in the Prime Minister’s meeting with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, who will be visiting our country.
At 11:00 on Tuesday, 4 May, Mr. Droutsas will meet at the Foreign Ministry with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Now on to Deputy Foreign Minister Spyros Kouvelis’s programme.
At 12:00 on Monday, 3 May, Mr. Kouvelis will participate in the meeting of the President of the Republic, Mr. Karolos Papoulias, with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, at the Presidential Mansion.
At 09:30 on Thursday, 6 May, Mr. Kouvelis will speak at the International Conference of the Pan-Hellenic Exporters Association, entitled “Outward Economy: Link to the Future”. That Conference will take place at the Grande Bretagne Hotel.
On Wednesday, 5 May, the Foreign Ministry is holding a scientific conference on combating piracy of the coast of Somalia. Officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Greek Navy, as well as academics and representatives of other agencies, will participate in the Conference, which will take place at the Foreign Ministry’s Kranidiotis’ Amphitheatre.
The programme is available here and you can also access it on the Foreign Ministry’s webpage.
I remind you that Greece assumed the chairmanship of the Contact Group on combating piracy at the most recent meeting of the Contact Group (5th plenary), on 28 January, in New York. The Contact Group was set up in January 2009, by a UN Security Council Resolution, and functions as a framework for coordinating international initiatives aimed at combating piracy.
Greece is among the founding members of the Contact Group, and from the very outset we have played an active role. Greece has taken part in NATO operations against piracy (Ocean Shield, Allied Protector) and is participating in the ATALANTA operation, the first EU maritime operation. And from December 2008 through April 2009, Greek Commodore Antonios Papaioannou, who will be participating in the Conference, commanded the operation.
Your questions, please.
Mr. Hidiroglou: Mr. Spokesman, we learned recently in the press that Greek citizenship will soon be given to persons residing permanently in Skopje. Before you throw the ball to the Ministry of the Interior, and before you invoke the relevant legislation, I would like to remind you that this has been the subject of discussion at Foreign Ministry briefings a number of times in the past. Specifically, I remember 2003. And I would like to ask whether this is happening within the framework of finding “common ground” for the resolution of the FYROM name issue.
I would also like to remind you – before you make your comment – that top Ministers of the current government, and specifically a top Minister of the current government, said in the run-up to the elections that this issue – that is, applications for reacquiring Greek citizenship – cannot block the path to finding a solution on the name issue.
Thank you. Your comment.
Mr. Delavekouras: The legislation regarding citizenship is the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior, and there has been no change, as far as I know, regarding the abolition of article 19 of the citizenship code, to which you are essentially referring. I have nothing further with regard to this, but this issue is certainly in no way related with the matter under negotiation within the framework of the UN, for the definitive name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Mr. Santamouris: Mr. Spokesman, I would like to a whether the Greek and FYROM negotiators have been called to New York, whether they discussed things with Mr. Nimetz, what they discussed and whether we are expecting a proposal for another round of negotiations.
I would also like to ask whether the name issue – in the view of Athens – is now bilateral or also bilateral. Thank you.
Mr. Delavekouras: The UN Secretary General’s personal envoy, Mr. Nimetz, is in ongoing contact with the two sides via their representatives so that we might have progress in the process being carried out within the framework of the United Nations for finding the definitive name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. That is the one and only framework within which talks are being held. This issue is determined by UN Security Council resolutions, and these resolutions also determine its international character.
The Secretary General’s representative invited the representatives of the two sides to New York. He had meetings with them on a bilateral level – that is, the Secretary General’s representative with each representatives of Greece and FYROM separately, yesterday and the day before. And yesterday, from what I know, he also briefed the Secretary General of the United Nations.
For our part, we informed him once again that Greece is prepared to move ahead on finding a solution; that Greece is coming to the negotiating table in a constructive spirit: very clear words. We are saying precisely what we want, in the belief that Greece’s proposals and ideas are just and objective, and that they provide a way for us to be able to find a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue.
Mr. Konstantakopoulos: A supplement to my colleagues question. It appears that “Republic of Northern Macedonia” is being promoted. Whether that is a proposal that Athens continues to agree with. And also, your comment on Mr. Gruevski’s insistence on holding a referendum on any agreed solution.
Mr. Delavekouras: The name “Republic of Northern Macedonia” is a proposal that Mr. Nimetz has made in the past, and it has been made public and come up frequently in interviews. And I must say that Greece’s position is clear. We are talking about a name with a geographical qualifier that will be used in relation to everyone, erga omnes.
These two components I am referring to are absolute prerequisites for our being able to reach a solution. We have to have a geographical qualifier that will describe the reality of the situation: that the part cannot represent the whole. And it has to be used in relation to everyone – erga omnes – so that we don’t have a continuation of the current situation, in which we essentially have evasion and perpetual violations of UN resolutions and of the Interim Accord that has been concluded between the two countries.
So that is why we are talking about a name with a geographical qualifier for use in relation to everyone, erga omnes. “Republic of Northern Macedonia”, provided it is used in relation to everyone, obviously satisfies these prerequisites.
Beyond that, you asked me about the stance of the neighbouring country’s Prime Minister. At this time, Mr. Gruevski holds the fate of his country in his hands. He hold its Euroatlantic future in his hands. He can become the leader who opened the path to Europe for the future of his fellow citizens. Or he can become the leader who closed the door and who will keep his fellow citizens far from the European family.
It is up to him to decide, but his decision will certainly have repercussions.
Mr. Konstantakopoulos: Is this position of a name with a geographical qualifier also reflected in the name that will be used internationally for the nationality and the language of Slavomacedonians?
Mr. Delavekouras: The subject of the negotiations is the determination of the name of the neighbouring country. This is set down in the Security Council resolutions, and that is what we have to come to an agreement on.
But I want to go back to something else I omitted to say earlier, on the matter of the referendum. The matter of the referendum is essentially evasion, because when the leadership of the neighbouring country chooses to portray Greece in dark colors to public opinion in FYROM – when in essence it predisposes the result of this referendum – then we are obviously not talking about a referendum. We are talking about a political exercise.
Mr. Konstantakopoulos: If I understand correctly, this means that Greece has no objection. Provided the name of the state is that to which our side consents – that is, “Northern Macedonia”, a geographical name erga omnes – Athens has no objection to the language being called “Macedonian”, the citizens “Macedonians, citizenship “Macedonian” and everything relevant.
Mr. Delavekouras: The answer is, negative. I said that what is under negotiation is the determination of the name of this country. That is what we are talking to each other about; that is what we are negotiating. That is the substance of the negotiations.
Beyond that, there are other issues related to the issue of the country’s name. We obviously won’t carry out the negotiations from here, in the briefing room.
Mr. Konstantakopoulos: I understand, but are you saying that this issue is outside the negotiations that are under way?
Mr. Delavekouras: We mustn’t become disoriented. This is something that our neighbouring country has tried to do from time to time. The raising and addition of other issues is aimed at disorienting the discussion and creating obstacles to progress.
The purpose of the negotiations is to find a definitive name for the neighbouring country. That is what the leadership of our neighbouring country needs to focus on at the United Nations so that we can reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Mr. Konstantakopoulos: I respect your opinion, but I continue to have my question. Does the matter of language and nationality not concern Greece and Greek diplomacy? And in what context will it concern you?
Mr. Delavekouras: As I said earlier, the basic subject, the substance of the negotiations – as defined by Security Council resolutions – is this. There are other, related issues, but the negotiations are on the name issue. When the leadership of the neighbouring country opts to use these to block progress, we can’t follow along. We need to focus on the subject of the negotiations.
Ms. Voudouri: You said that there are other issues on the table. Are there other issues on the table or has our neighbouring country been raising them and Greece rejecting them so far?
And a second question. What exactly is the reaction on the part of Greek diplomacy to Skopje’s intention to use the term “Macedonian” for their Council of Europe Chairmanship?
And I would like a comment on Mr. Milososki’s remark three days ago that it is not possible for Greece to raise an issue, more or less, regarding the term “Macedonia” given that the Council of Europe is the one talking about a “Macedonian” nationality, a “Macedonian” language and “Macedonian” minorities.
Mr. Delavekouras: With regard to who is raising other issues, we know very well who is doing that. The question is whether this practice has created obstacles, whether it has pushed us away from reaching a solution. This is what we have to face. This is why we are saying clearly that we should concentrate on the objective of the negotiations: finding a mutually acceptable solution on our neighbouring country’s definitive name.
With regard to the issue of the Council of Europe, this is something on which we have already taken a position and, unfortunately, events have proven us right, because it seems that the leadership of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has opted to abuse this international institution – whose Chairmanship it is assuming – in order to promote its own positions.
We are in constant contacts with all our partners and with the international organisation’s Secretariat in order to secure the protection and implementation of Resolution (95) 23 of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, which expressly states that this country shall be referred to as “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”’ for all uses within the framework of the Council of Europe.
Beyond that, unfortunately, we see from the FYROM leadership’s successive statements that their intention is precisely to abuse this Chairmanship in order to promote their views.
Ms. Rigou: Moving on to the Cyprus issue, do we have a picture on the future of direct negotiations also after the elections in the occupied section?
Mr. Delavekouras: With regard to the Cyprus issue, what is important at the moment is to consolidate any progress made – it is not the progress we would like to have made, but at least it is some progress – as well as the framework within which discussions are held. This is the basic precondition in order for us to be able to speak of talks.
Mr. Eroglu has occasionally made statements that give cause for concern – he is making such statements even now. But it is obvious that he should come to the negotiations in a constructive spirit. Otherwise, he will bear the burden of the responsibility for any obstacles, any hurdles that might be raised in this process.
Mr. Hidiroglou: In view of the Turkish Prime Minister’s visit to Athens, has the visit’s programme been finalised?
Mr. Delavekouras: The visit’s programme is being finalised as we speak. But I can give you some basic points. We expect the Turkish Ministers taking part in the High-level Cooperation Council to arrive to Greece on 14 May. They will have meetings with their Greek counterparts. The Turkish Prime Minister will arrive at noon on the same day. He will have contacts and we expect that the High-level Cooperation Council, chaired by the two Prime Ministers, will be held in the afternoon with the participation of all the Ministers from both sides.
We are planning for a business forum – to be participated by Greek and Turkish entrepreneurs – to be included in the programme, and then on 15 May at noon, Mr. Erdogan is expected to depart. This is the outline at our disposal at this stage.
Mr. Hidiroglou: So no visit to Western Thrace is included?
Mr. Delavekouras: There is nothing on that, no.
Ms. Ristovska: Again on the name issue. I would like to ask about “erga omnes”: Is that for bilateral relations with Greece, international organisations and domestic use, i.e., inside the country?
Mr. Delavekouras: Erga omnes means “toward all”, I do not need to analyse it.
Mr. Papathanasiou: Has there been a briefing by Mr. Nimetz on what exactly he would say, what he would pass on to the UN Secretary General, on where he is headed from now on, if there are prospects for a new proposal?
And one more thing. Does Athens think that the European Union could play a more active role in the effort to support the talks in the coming period – despite the fact that the only field of negotiations is within the framework of the United Nations?
Mr. Delavekouras: With regard to Mr. Nimetz’s briefing of the UN Secretary General, I cannot say what his assessment is. Mr. Nimetz will obviously brief him on the positions he has heard from both sides, and we have to confess that the messages we have been getting from Skopje have not been encouraging. This is a fact, unfortunately. Beyond that, our opinion and our position is that the efforts made have to be well prepared and carried out in an environment where it is clear there is potential for progress.
Mr. Nimetz will continue to be in constant contact with both side, but I cannot say with certainty whether we are at a point where we can talk about proposals too. I think that this is premature given the reality right now on the other side.
The process is a given fact. There is a process: the process within the framework of the United Nations. As you can understand, of course, the name issue is linked with our neighbouring country’s Euroatlantic course. We want to see our neighbouring country incorporated into Euroatlantic institutions. Let me remind you that FYROM is an integral part of agenda 2014. We believe that the Balkans as a whole belong to the European family, and it goes without saying that this includes the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
We believe that our neighbouring people have to share European values, the European method of administration, to have the European future they deserve. This is why it is time to leave the name issue behind us. We have to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Mr. Santamouris: I would like to come back to your answer to the previous question on the same issue. You said that we now have to focus on the name, on negotiations on the name and resolving this issue. Let’s assume that negotiations are held and the issue is resolved. Is this where the negotiation process between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ends, or is there another solution on the agenda?
Mr. Delavekouras: There is one process. And it must come to a definitive agreement, because otherwise it would mean that the current situation is perpetuated, something we do not want.
Mr. Santamouris: And a second question. I have been informed, but I am not certain on how things stand, that there has been an agreement signed by the European Union and Ankara, which partly legitimises Ankara’s refusal to allow planes and ships to enter from countries it has not recognized in the European Union. Have I been well informed or not?
Mr. Delavekouras: You are talking about the horizontal agreement on air transport, on which the Republic of Cyprus has taken a clear position and expressed its views. The government of the Republic of Cyprus is in contact with the European Commission and we are standing by them of course; we are taking part in the whole process and we support the Republic of Cyprus. What is being examined at the moment is whether the interests of all the member states – including the Republic of Cyprus, obviously – are being secured. These contacts are ongoing at the moment.
Ms. Voudouri: In view of the Turkish Prime Minister’s visit, analysts and columnists have expressed concerns, even the main opposition party, if I am not mistaken, Mr. Samaras, I think, made a reference in his speech yesterday to the timing of this visit, given the tough negotiations that Greece is holding with the International Monetary Fund on the support mechanism. What is your comment on these concerns with regard to the timing mostly of this visit?
Mr. Delavekouras: As Foreign Ministry spokesman, I cannot comment on party positions. But I can say that the timing of this visit is the point where both countries have declared that they want to substantially deepen and broaden the areas of cooperation in their relations.
We’re talking about a qualitative upgrading. Ten Ministers from the Turkish side and seven Ministers from the Greek side will cooperate substantially on a broad range of issues. Today we had another coordination meeting with all the Greek Ministries that are taking part, and we looked into the proposals that are being prepared. We believe that this cooperation is laying the foundations based on which we will be able to build the rapprochement between the two countries; based on which we will be able to improve the two countries' relations.
This is the objective and it is a given fact that there are preconditions; that very careful steps are being taken. They are carefully examined, always bearing in mind our country’s interests. This is obvious and self-evident: we will safeguard Greece’s interests in every step of this process. Progress in specific areas is aimed at mutual benefits and national interests.
Mr. Tsaka: The Albanian government recently decided to honour the Greek soldiers who died in WWII on 28 October every year. What does that mean to Greece, because a lot has been heard, even recent chants against Albanians by Greek soldiers taking part in a parade.
And secondly, we see that the Albanian authorities are making several decisions to make amends for the historical mistakes in Greek-Albanian relations, whereas here in Greece we see no such risks being taken to make difficult decisions on the past of Greek-Albanian relations; for example, the Hellenic Parliament has still not annulled the declaration of war that has been valid for the past 70 years. You are saying that it is not valid de facto, but it is valid de jure.
Thank you very much.
Mr. Delavekouras: With regard to the heroes of the Greek-Italian war of 1940-1941, their contribution to Greece and the whole of Europe is enormous and their struggle for freedom has been recognised the world over. Any honour for these soldiers is welcome.
With regard to Greek-Albanian relations, I would like to remind you, first of all, that there is a Friendship Agreement between the two countries. Greece has stood by Albania. This is a firm choice of our foreign policy because we believe that Albania can also follow a rapid pace on its course towards Euroatlantic institutions. And Greece is precisely the one that has been helping it, even on a technical level, on a political and economic level, in terms of investments. We seek good relations with Albania, we are working towards them and we value the cooperation we have with Albania.
Correspondingly, we expect the same thing from the Albanian side. We want Albania to see Greece as a good and reliable ally – after all, our country offered its support for Albania’s entry into NATO. We want Albania to see Greece as a future partner within the European Union, with whom it will cooperate in order for our peoples to develop together.
It is obvious that within this framework we want even more cooperation, but all this based on the preconditions set by the EU accession process and given that all the existing prerequisites and criteria, including good neighbourly relations, are respected.
Mr. Hidiroglou: We have been witnessing a series of provocations against the Greek minority in Northern Epirus and we are generally witnessing a campaign of subdued tension against the Greek minority in Albania. Has the Greek government pointed out to the Albanian government its responsibilities and commitments arising from international treaties?
Mr. Delavekouras: It is very important for the status of the Greek national minority in Albania to be protected based on the obligations that have been undertaken pursuant to international treaty provisions and the European framework. The Albanian government knows this very well and this is certainly one of the elements examined as part of the assessment of its course towards European integration. It is obvious that these rights have to be consolidated in a country that wants to become a member of the European Union.
Thank you very much.