Athens, 4 October 2007
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Good morning. At 16:00 today, at the Foreign Ministry’s Y. Kranidiotis Amphitheatre, Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis will address a conference entitled “From the Laws of War to Humanitarian Law – 100 years since the Hague Conventions of 1907 and 30 years since the Geneva Protocol of 1977”. This Conference is being organized by Panteion University’s European Center for Research and Training in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Valinakis, who, as you know, is in Washington, will have a series of meetings with Assistant Secretary of State Mr. D. Fried and Deputy Assistant Secretaries Mr. M. Bryza and Ms. R. DiCarlo. The principal focus of these talks will be Greek-US bilateral relations, Euro-Turkish relations, Greek-Turkish relations, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
On Friday, at 17:00, Mr. Valinakis will participate in an event being organized by Capital Forum in collaboration with the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce. The 42nd President of the United States, Mr. Clinton, is this event’s keynote speaker.
Given that we are entering a new season, as it were, I would like to give you an outline of the basic events we will have concerning a number of issues of particular Greek interest from now through December.
With regard to the Reform Treaty, as you know on 23 July, the Portuguese Presidency presented a timeframe for the evolution of this discussion to the General Affairs and External Relations Council. The Intergovernmental Conference on the level of legal experts completed its proceedings yesterday evening with the drawing up of a text.
This text will be discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 15 October. It will then move on to the informal Summit Meeting in Lisbon on 19-20 October. The objective is for there to be a political agreement on the text so that in December it can be adopted by the European Council.
Let me just mention here that there were observations of member states that were not included in this text, because it was deemed that certain of these points were outside the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference’s mandate.
I would like to inform you that the Greek position regarding this issue of major importance for the European Union is that the mandate given by the European Council must be adhered to and that thus far it has been adhered to. And we do not think that issues raised and discussed during the negotiations on the mandate and during the recent Intergovernmental Conference should be tabled for discussion again.
So the program and timeframe decided upon must be adhered to in full.
Now, regarding Turkey’s accession, another issue of particular importance for our country. Around the end of October or early November, the annual progress report examining in detail the manner and course of the implementation of the Copenhagen criteria is to be published, as is the enlargement strategy report.
The next stage in Turkey’s accession course is an Intergovernmental Conference to be held around the end of the year, which will examine the possibility of opening new chapters in Turkey’s accession course.
Also some time around December – after the European Commission’s report – there will be a report from the European Parliament. What was adopted yesterday by the European Parliament’s External Affairs Committee is a resolution and not the report; it is not the Parliament’s report, it is a resolution that is set to be discussed by the plenary session sometime between 22 and 25 October.
The information that we have indicates that there are parts of the text adopted by the External Affairs Committee that are positive for the Greek and Cypriot positions, such as the adoption of the amendment on the need for the withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces from Cyprus.
Regarding the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Again, toward the end of October or early November – in all likelihood on 6 November – the European Commission will present its progress report on FYROM.
Regarding the course of our neighboring country in its efforts to fulfil its desire to accede to NATO, the next procedural step provided for is that, within November, there will be special teams that will visit the three accession-candidate countries – that is, Croatia, Albania and FYROM – to carry out an assessment of the course of these countries towards accession.
Regarding Kosovo, the next negotiation meeting between Pristina and Belgrade will be held on 14 October. As you know, the previous meeting was held on 28 September.
10 December – when the negotiation Troika will submit its report to the Contact Group and the UN Secretary General – is, of course, a critical date regarding this issue.
These are, more or less, the critical points in procedures on a series of issues: a) the Reform Treaty, b) Turkey’s European course, c) FYROM’s European aspirations and d) the Kosovo issue.
That’s it for announcements. I’m at your disposal for any questions you might have.
Mr. Konstantinidis: First of all, you said that Mr. Valinakis will have bilateral meetings – you said that Greek-Turkish bilateral relations will be discussed. You didn’t mention the Cyprus issue. Will it be discussed as part of Greek-Turkish relations?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: No, it’s not under Greek-Turkish issues. I mentioned certain issues that are to be discussed, among other issues. Obviously, Turkey’s European course and the Cyprus issue will be discussed.
Mr. Konstantinidis: Second, you said regarding Turkey’s accession to the European Union that at the end of October we will have the official progress report.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Yes, early November.
Mr. Konstantinidis: Could you perhaps tell us something of what might be discussed, what might be contained in this progress report? Third, regarding yesterday’s resolution, which you very rightly said was positive …
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I said there are positive developments – I didn’t characterize it as a whole.
Mr. Konstantinidis: Regarding the withdrawal of Turkish forces, it is very positive. What is expected in exchange from the Republic of Cyprus side? What will they be asked for in order for the forces to leave? Because there have been some news reports in Cyprus that say that the European Union will ask for much in exchange for the withdrawal. Thank you very much.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the progress report, it is, as you know, an annual report in accordance with the practice of the European Commission.
This will certainly be a report that also covers the period during which, as you know, there were domestic political tug-of-war’s in our neighboring country, and of course the period following the elections. Following the expression of the will of the Turkish people. The Report is expected to assess the course of reforms and efforts toward adaptation on the part of Turkey to European prerequisites and European criteria throughout this time.
Beyond that, I don’t have specific information or data regarding the content of the report. This text is in the process of being formulated.
Regarding the specific issue of the withdrawal of Turkish forces and what might, as you said, be sought in exchange, I have nothing on that.
Ms. Kourbela: (off microphone) … before its report on the Commission’s report the European Parliament is bringing out a resolution whose rapporteur states clearly that she also wants this resolution to provide guidelines for the European Commission. What does this mean? Does it mean greater involvement of the European Parliament? Does it mean: be more careful? I would like you to explain that to me. It is the first time that before a Commission report the European Parliament has come out with a resolution.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: This is, in fact, something that has not happened in the past, but I want to say that the MEP who promoted the text spoke of her own initiative. I have nothing to add beyond the fact that the European Commission’s report is of particular importance, as is that which will be drawn up subsequently by the European Parliament.
Ms. Kourbela: (off microphone)
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: This is the text of a resolution from the EP Foreign Affairs Committee and not of the plenary session. We will comment on the text adopted by the Plenary Session of the EP.
Mr. Konstantinidis: Allow me to ask for two clarifications. If what is mentioned in the resolution about withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces is not implemented, will they be able to open chapters? Because you referred to the opening of chapters with regard to Turkey’s accession course. Will it happen, how can it happen? On the one hand if Turkey does not implement what is mentioned in the resolution, will we move ahead to the opening of chapters?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: No, listen, I think there has been a misunderstanding as to the procedure. The process of accession negotiations is evolving on the level of the intergovernmental conference. Of course, the European Parliament’s resolutions have their value, but they are not directly linked to the process of the discussion on the course of chapters.
The Intergovernmental Conference that is to take place in the final months of the year will look precisely at and decide what number of chapters can be opened.
Mr. Papathanasiou: I would like a comment on Mr. Solana’s statement that he doesn’t like vetoes. That’s the first question. I want you to give us some further information on the timeframe with regard to the resolution of the name issue within the framework of the UN. Do we have anything new? When will Mr. Nimetz convene the negotiators?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the decisions of Mr. Nimetz concerning the next steps to be taken, at this time there is no official announcement on his part. You, too, know that there were reports, which have remained unconfirmed, that he might convene the negotiators some time within a month. But that is not an official announcement. Mr. Nimetz has not designated precisely when he will convene the negotiators to continue the process of his mandate.
Regarding Mr. Solana’s statements, no one likes vetoes. And this is precisely why the problems must be resolved in a mutually acceptable manner rather than be perpetuated. This is precisely why policies of intransigence and a mindset of creating tensions – which often indicate counterproductive arrogance – must be abandoned.
I would like to add here that our Permanent Mission to the EU has already proceeded to actions toward Mr. Solana’s office, noting the Greek positions and Greece’s displeasure, making the reminder that our neighbours relations with the EU are conducted under the name FYROM, as provided for in the relevant Resolutions of the UN Security Council. Also, probably late today or tomorrow – the time hasn’t been finalized because Mr. Solana is travelling at this time – the Foreign Minister is to communicate with Mr. Solana regarding this particular issue.
Mr. Konstantinidis: (off microphone) … Mr. Koumoutsakos, Syria recently made the decision to open a channel between Famagusta and Latakia. The Cypriot government made representations. Did the Greek government proceed to any representation.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Yes, of course, a representation was made by our Embassy in Damascus to the Syrian government.
As you may already know the answer given by the Syrian side is that the incident in question does not comprise recognition and that, in any case, there is no change of policy on the part of Syria as to recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.
Mr. Tsaka: Mr. Koumoutsakos, the final Troika is on 10 December …
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: You are talking about Kosovo?
Mr. Tsaka: Yes, Kosovo. Mr. Wisner, the US envoy, recently stated that he is not optimistic that there will be developments within this period of time. While on the part of the European Union there is pressure for a positive result. How do you see it? Will it be positive for the Greek side, because there is a question of stabilization of the region?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: We believe, as a matter of principle, that as long as negotiations are in progress – and when the negotiation process is at a critical turning point, in fact – one should avoid making assessments or predictions regarding the final outcome.
We have repeatedly stressed this. We believe that viable solutions arise from agreements or at least some form of consensus. Restricting timeframes do not always contribute to reaching consensus. Nor do solutions that have been decided beforehand or predictions – and, in fact predictions made with an air of certainty – help things to evolve smoothly so that these particular negotiations, which are difficult and particularly complex, can be as productive as possible.
Mr. Tsaka: A few months ago, we had some statements from the leaders of the Serbian side that we will defend Kosovo if need be; that is, if there is not a positive result for our side, we will defend it through war. Is this threat logical from the perspective of a Serbia that wants to enter the European Union?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I’m not aware of the particular statements that you are referring to. As a logical result of everything I said about how Greece perceives the negotiation process – that is, that it is not productive for there to be predictions or solutions worked out in advance regarding negotiations that are in the process – I will stress the same thing regarding the statements that, whether directly or indirectly, and wherever they come from, burden what is already a very difficult negotiation effort.
What must happen is for the two sides to be encouraged to move ahead and to exhaust the possibilities in an effort to achieve a solution of consensus.
Mr. Tsaka: Is a visit to Albania on Ms. Bakoyannis agenda?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: This is something that is being looked at very seriously for the coming period of time.
Ms. Antoniou: Concerning the Reform Treaty, you mentioned that in the text of the team of experts the recommendations of certain countries were not adopted because it was considered that they were not compatible for inclusion in this text. You also repeated the Greek position regarding adherence to the timeframe and the mandate given at the beginning of the summer. Whether, first of all, you can go into greater detail as to what these positions are and what countries they come from – the ones not adopted – if you know? And second, is there concern about our moving backward again; that is, regarding the timeframe’s not being adhered to, and is that why you are repeating this position?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I don’t think anyone is endeavouring to stop the timeframe from being adhered to. I don’t think that there is anyone who doesn’t want the timeframe to be adhered to; the timeframe set down on the level of the European Council and then by be Portuguese Presidency.
Regarding the first issue you raised, during the Intergovernmental Conference on the level of experts, there were in fact countries that raised certain issues. The Intergovernmental Conference judged that certain of these issues were outside the boundaries of the mandate given to the Intergovernmental Conference, and in the end they were not discussed.
Now, as to whether these issues will be raised again or not, whether at the General Affairs Council or at the Informal Summit, I cannot know. But the general atmosphere that exists in the discussion is that the timeframes should be adhered to. And that is the Greek position. The timeframes for the Reform Treaty must be respected.
Ms. Kourbela: In the draft Reform Treaty, have major changes been made to the decisions of the European Council? Because the German presidency took care for everything to be recorded very precisely there. Whether there are major changes. That’s one question. The other: Is there a chance, at the upcoming European Council, of ratification in a unified manner, so that there won’t be countries, once again, who will put the issue to a referendum in which it might be voted down?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the manner of ratification, I think that an effort is being made so that we can move ahead in a manner that will put an end to these two years of introversion and lack of progress that we have had recently in the European Union. But this remains to be confirmed. Regarding what is contained in the new text, I cannot refer to that at all, because there is an embargo until at least tomorrow.
Thank you.