Athens, 7 September 2006
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As you know, today at 12:00, the Foreign Minister is meeting with her Dutch counterpart Mr. Bernard Bot.
Regarding the agenda for the meeting, among other things they will be discussing the course of European developments, including the Constitutional Treaty and enlargement, developments in the Middle East, and in the Western Balkans. They will also discuss the Presidency of the UN Security Council, the Cyprus issue, within the framework of the enlargement, of course – the course of EU-Turkish relations. The meeting will be followed by statements to the press.
With regard to the Greek Presidency of the Security Council, you will probably have been informed that the Greek Presidency’s programme for the Security Council in September has been formally approved.
We referred to the basic elements of the programme at our previous meeting. For more information – for whoever is interested – you can use the webpage www.greeceun.org, where you will find information regarding the activities of the Greek Presidency of the Security Council.
I would like, very briefly, to mention the thematic debate being organized by the Greek Presidency, and that is set for 20 September, in New York. The subject of discussion will be the challenges of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other governmental organizations on maintaining international peace and security.
Regarding the substance of this debate, I would like to remind you that the UN Charter, in Chapter VIII, provides for cooperation between the UN and regional organizations and other regional alliances, so that they may contribute jointly to the efforts toward the peaceful resolution of disputes and the maintaining of international peace and security.
In this Chapter of the Charter the manner of, and framework for, cooperation with the UN is set out. Since 1992, the Secretaries General of the UN – starting with the well-known “Agenda for Peace” programme of then-Secretary General Mr. Boutros-Ghali – have made ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of regional organizations, and to lend greater substance and effectiveness to cooperation between these organizations and the UN. In fact, Secretary General Mr. Annan recently submitted a relevant report.
From this perspective, we consider that the thematic debate proposed by our country will be useful in the further development of thoughts and proposals regarding the promotion of the UN’s cooperation with regional organizations.
It is likely that a Presidency statement will be adopted following this discussion; a statement that will contain the new ideas and proposals.
Of course, the draft of the Presidency statement will also be looked at by the other members of the Security Council.
A number of international organizations have been called upon to participate in this special session, including the African Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Council of Europe, the Arab League, NATO, the OSCE, the European Union, etc.
I also want to inform you that the Arab League officially requested a meeting of the Security Council, on the Ministerial level, to consider the resolution of the Arab-Israeli dispute on all levels. That is, it was requested of the Security Council Presidency – Greece – to take this proposal under consideration and explore, with the Security Council, the potential for holding such a meeting. The Greek Presidency, together with the other members of the Security Council, is looking at this proposal from the Arab League. If there is any new development on this, I will let you know.
Regarding the Minister’s programme, tomorrow she departs for Thessaloniki to participate in the events of the Thessaloniki International Fair.
On 12 September, she will meet in Athens with UK Minister of State for Europe Mr. Hoon. On the agenda for their talks are issues such as the course of Turkish-EU relations, the Cyprus issue, and issues of international concern that are to be addressed by the United Nations.
Mr. Hoon will also meet with the Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Valinakis. The Valinakis-Hoon discussion is to focus on European Union issues – very specific European Union issues – such as the Community budget, the future of Europe, Common Agricultural Policy, free movement of workers, etc., and developments in the Western Balkans.
On 14 September, the Foreign Minister will visit Belgrade and Pristina, where meetings are being scheduled with the leadership of Serbia and Kosovo officials. What we know at this time is that there will not be a meeting with Mr. Ceku, because Mr. Ceku will be in in the US at the time, but there will be meetings with all the officials in Kosovo and, of course, with the representative of Kosovo Serbs.
This visit is taking place immediately before the Minister’s participation in the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 14 and 15 September. Ms. Bakoyannis will depart from Brussels for New York to follow the program that I have already announced to you – participation in the proceedings of the General Assembly and, of course, the meetings that are to take place at the UN Security Council.
Regarding the activities of Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Valinakis, today he is departing for Nicosia. He will have meetings in the Cypriot capital with President Tassos Papadopoulos and other officials of the Cypriot government, within the framework of ongoing contacts and consultations between the governments of Greece and the Republic of Cyprus.
On Tuesday, 12 September, Mr. Valinakis will have talks, as I said, with the UK Minister of State, Mr. Geoff Hoon, at 11:30, at the Foreign Ministry.
On Thursday, 14 September, at 15:00, Mr. Valinakis will address the joint assembly of the ad hoc International Law Committee of the Council of Europe and the International Criminal Court, which will take place at Zappeion.
On Friday, 15 September, he will travel to New York to represent our country at the high-level dialogue at the United Nations on international migration and development.
Mr. Valinakis will participate, with Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis, in the proceedings of the 61st General Assembly of the United Nations.
I would like to add that during her stay in Thessaloniki, on Saturday, 9 September, at 12:00, the Foreign Minister, accompanied by Mr. Stylianidis, will visit the exhibit of the Foreign Ministry’s YDAS Hellenic aid at the 71st Thessaloniki International Fair.
Finally, regarding the programme of Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Stylianidis, on Friday, 8 September, at 12:00, he will conduct a working visit to the offices of the Exporters’ Association of Northern Greece (SEVE), in Thessaloniki.
On Wednesday, 13 September, at 14:00, he will have a protocol meeting with the Swiss Ambassador to Greece. On Thursday, 14 September, at 11:00, he will speak at the first Arab-Hellenic Economic Forum, at Zappeion, on Arab-Hellenic relations. This is being organized by the Arab-Hellenic chamber of commerce, under the auspices of the Foreign Ministry. That’s it for announcements. Your questions, please.
Journalist: Do we have anything new on when the frigate will leave Cyprus to join the Lebanon peacekeeping force? And whether it’s operational role as been finalized – whether it will carry out inspections etc.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: There is yesterday’s statement from the government spokesman on the particular information you are asking me for. I think it would be appropriate for you to address yourself to the Defense Ministry – I have nothing to say on this.
Journalist: Do you have any comment regarding the decision of the British courts, finding in favour of Mrs. Blair’s clients?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the court’s verdict – and without agreeing with the assessment you expressed in your question – I want to say that with regard to yesterday’s decision from the British court, I must note that this is an intermediate stage in the whole process.
The case has not been finalized. Already, the Cypriot plaintiff has stated that he will appeal the decision, and this case will be judged only after the completion of the judicial procedure.
I want to say that, in any case, our country supports the need to uphold the property rights of the displaced Greek Cypriots, based on the provisions of international law and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.
Beyond that, there are already specific positions from the Cypriot side, from the Republic of Cyprus, there is a statement from the Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus regarding this decision.
The are also statements from government spokesman Mr. Pasiardis. Let me just say that, from an initial reading, the reason given by the English court for not immediately carrying out the decision of the Cypriot court is obviously of a procedural nature – it does not go into the substance of the verdict.
Also behind the thinking of the decision are a number of elements – which are mentioned in Mr. Pasiardis’ statement – that, I think, give a fuller picture of the aspects of this decision; elements that one must take note of, because they are of particular importance and confirm certain basic admissions, such as, for example, that the legal owners of the properties in the occupied territories are Greek Cypriots who were deprived of them due to the occupation.
Also, that the so-called laws of the pseudo-state cannot deprive the real and legal owners of their land, and other elements that I think need to be noted carefully and assessed.
Journalist: Mr. Spokesman, I want a comment on yesterday’s Financial Times article to the effect that Mr. Rehn proposes that the Protocol issue be referred to the court. What is the Greek Foreign Ministry’s comment on this? Has it been approached with this, and, if so, what is our position on this?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I am aware of the article regarding Mr. Rehn’s statements, as I am of repeated statements that have been made – not just by Mr. Rehn, but by a number of European officials – that Turkey must comply and fulfil its obligations.
Regarding our position, I will just repeat that the only really safe route for a smooth course for Turkey’s European perspective is compliance with and implementation of the obligations and prerequisites that have been set by the European Union.
That is the only safe path, and I sincerely cannot see how – instead of taking this safe route – one could choose the exceptionally difficult, dangerous, rough and narrow path; the uncertain path of non-compliance with European recommendations, European prerequisites, European principles and values.
Journalist: Whether our country sees Turkey as having taken steps of progress, as having made progress from December 2004 until now. Do you see some progress as having been achieved?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: In answer to similar questions in the past, I have spoken of reform exhaustion that has been observed. It originates, If you will, in the observations of European officials that have been made during this time.
Of course, the Progress Report – which we are all awaiting with particular interest from the European Commission some time in October or early November – will be of particular importance with regard to the evaluation of Turkey’s course so far.
Journalist: Let’s put the question another way. Without the fulfilment of the obligation to ratify and implement the Protocol, does the Greek government think that Turkey’s accession course can continue?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Non-compliance with commitments that have been made – such as the implementation of the Protocol – is tangible proof of an inability to comply with European prerequisites. And it will be assessed and judged as such by the European Union and its member states. I remind you that this obligation is not a Turkish obligation to the Republic of Cyprus, but an obligation to the European Union as a whole. So it will be assessed as such by the EU and, of course, by the Greek government.
Journalist: To clarify what you said, Mr. Spokesman. If Turkey does not agree to bring the additional Protocol on the Customs Union before its Parliament for ratification, what will the Greek side do? Will it react? Will it block it? Will it accept the smooth continuation of Turkey’s?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I think that my initial answer was sufficiently clear and categorical. The only truly safe path for the continuation of Turkey’s European course is full compliance with and implementation of the obligations it has undertaken. Anything else is opting for rough, uncertain and dead-end roads.
Journalist: What does the Greek side expect from the meeting that will take place in Sofia regarding Kosovo, and who will represent Greece?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: At the Contact Group’s meeting in Sofia with representatives of the countries of southeast Europe, Greece will be represented by the head of the competent Directorate, Ambassador Mr. Christidis. This meeting is being held on the level of Political Directors.
What Greece expects is for steps to be taken that will lend substance to the negotiation process and lead to a positive outcome in the negotiation process. We have repeatedly said we consider a positive outcome to be a solution that is acceptable to all parties, the immediately involved parties. Beyond that, there are the basic positions that we have set out repeatedly.
With regard to the next, future actions, as you know, we are awaiting the report to be submitted by the UN special envoy to the talks on Kosovo’s future status, Mr. Ahtisaari, during the Greek Presidency of the Security Council.
Journalist: On this issue. Is Ms. Bakoyannis going to Belgrade and to Kosovo with some specific request? Is she an envoy of the European Union, or is she going as Greece? That’s one question. The second is: When Ms. Bakoyannis goes to the US, she will meet with the Energy Secretary. What is the agenda for their meeting as regards the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, etc.? Thank you.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The Minister’s visit to Belgrade and Kosovo is a Greek initiative. It is not taking place within the framework of some particular mandate from the European Union. Our country’s interest in developments in our region – and particularly the Kosovo issue – is well known and constant. The Kosovo issue is critical to regional stability and security.
Of course, on might point out that this trip and these contacts are being carried out precisely in view of the discussions that are to take place in the Security Council during September – during the Greek Presidency. This is of particular importance, because we will have to have a clear picture of the state of affairs on both sides, and the thoughts prevailing among the two immediately involved parties.
Regarding your second question, I think that the subject of the talks is obvious from the responsibilities of the Foreign Minister’s collocutor. They will discuss energy issues.
Journalist: Mr. Spokesman, I want to ask this: At the meeting between Mr. Putin and Mr. Karamanlis two days ago, in which Ms. Bakoyannis participated – there, Mr. Putin, among other things, of course, took responsibility for the security of the flow of oil from Novorossisk to Alexandroupolis. So he raised the issue of security, apart from everything else. I would like to ask whether the package of discussions at the Maximos Mansion included the possible support of Russia in the promotion of national issues, such as the Cyprus issue or, more specifically, the Russian President’s commitment regarding the non-sale to Turkey of advanced Russian weapons systems. Is there anything like that?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I am trying to see the connections between the various elements you included in your question. It’s not absolutely clear to me.
During the discussions that took place during the bilateral meeting, the whole range of sectors concerning Greek-Russian bilateral relations was covered.
Regarding the Russian President’s stance on the need for security in the transporting of energy, it is obvious that energy security is an extremely important issue.
So this is a clear position that concerns everyone – it concerns the whole of the international community. I have no particular comment. Nor do I see the connection with issues of a bilateral nature and of special interest to Greece, such as the Cyprus issue, concerning which, as you know, the Russian position has traditionally – for many years now – been one of principles. It follows a policy of principles on the Cyprus issue, and continues to do so. And it is not influenced by the discussions on energy issues.
Journalist: I also asked you this about two weeks ago. In the end, did you find out whether Turkey was carrying out exercises in the Aegean, near Limnos, breaking the summer moratorium?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: There is no such information and no indication – as far as I can know, because I have spoken with the competent Directorate. The provisions of the summer moratorium are being observed by both countries.
Journalist: (off microphone) … the bilateral contacts of the Minister in the US and regarding the Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey if the consultations are continuing.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: There is nothing new on the Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey.
With regard to the bilateral meetings, as there will be a number of them, and various adjustments will have to be made with regard to scheduling. A very complex effort is being made to find the right time for all of the meetings to take place, and at this time I cannot give you a full picture. In the coming days, as soon as the Foreign Minister’s schedule is finalised, I will let you know.
Journalist: Mr. Spokesman, do you perhaps have anything new regarding Mr. Gul’s visit to Athens? And is Mr. Berisha coming?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding your first question, There were some thoughts regarding the date 2 or 3 October, in the press. There were some thoughts regarding the possibility of Mr. Gul’s visit taking place at that time.
In the end, those dates didn’t work out, for scheduling reasons, and at this time a new date has not been set for this visit.
Journalist: (off microphone)
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have nothing new on that – I don’t see it as very likely, knowing the programme that exists at this time, but I can’t commit on this – I can’t give you a categorical answer. What I can tell you categorically is that a date has not been set – a new date has not been set for Mr. Gul’s visit to Athens.
Journalist: (off microphone) … visit of the Albanian Prime Minister to Athens?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Communication has, in fact, been proceeding regarding a visit of the Albanian Prime Minister to Athens. But I can’t announce anything officially at this time, because, apart from anything else, it is a visit and meeting on the level of Prime Minister.
Journalist: (off microphone)
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I said that at this time a visit of the Albanian Prime Minister to our country is being scheduled. I can’t give you any further details at this time.
Thank you very much.