Athens , 10 February 2010

Journalist: What was your first impression?

Mr. Kouvelis: Shock. Before the plane even landed in Port-au-Prince, we could see a ruined city of makeshift camps and rubble scattered everywhere. Shade tents have been installed, but the rainy season is coming. One realises what an emergency situation really means. Upon our arrival at the airport, things were pretty difficult too, that is, the runway was full of supplies already transported there, with mostly U.S. forces coordinating the efforts, and one can’t help but wonder how the airport building itself remained standing. It is full of cracks, looks like it's about to fall.

It was a shocking human experience, particularly after we came out of the airport to get to the government’s temporary offices, when people were throwing themselves on us and at that moment, we realised the dramatic situation these people were in: they were asking for things that are simple to us, a bottle of water, some food, a dollar, anything to help them get through the day.

Journalist: What successive meetings did you have?

Mr. Kouvelis: Our meetings were held at the government’s temporary premises, at a building near the airport that used to belong to the country’s police forces, because of the government buildings have been destroyed.

There, I first met with Haiti's President, Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, with whom we spoke for more than half an hour. He explained the situation and the government's priorities to redress the country, to take care of the victims. There are more than 3 million homeless. 1.5 million in Port-au-Prince and another 1.5 in the surrounding areas.

We have to secure accommodation, food and water for these people. The numbers are very, very significant, if you take into account that another 2 million is added to that figure. Pressures are mounting inexorably for us to be able to rise to the occasion and the international community’s responsibility is enormous.

We spoke with Prime Minister Bellerive about the Greek aid and we were happy and satisfied to hear that the aid from Greece came at a very crucial period. It was perhaps even more crucial and more useful than if it had arrived earlier, because it is precisely now that the mechanisms have been put in place in order to channel the aid to those who need it. He said so himself and we were truly happy to hear it, and I think our aid has been very useful. And the aid quantities were significant. They themselves said that the 50-ton aircraft was perhaps one of the biggest to have reached Haiti.

We also discussed about what we can do in future to try and see how we could help using our know-how in planning against earthquakes, how we could provide assistance in the long-term to the greatest possible extent – both given Greece’s and the Greek government's abilities and the great distance separating our two countries.

.

Journalist: How many days did you stay in Haiti, Mr. Minister?

Mr. Kouvelis: We only stayed for a few hours. We could not stay there for days, because the landing permission was strictly for 3 to 3.5 hours. After that, we had to leave. I was lucky to have been able to see the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic, the Foreign Minister and the opposition leader in just a few hours.

Journalist: Was the Greek aid welcomed, particularly given the historical bonds between the two countries?

Mr. Kouvelis: We were given a more than warm welcome. The way we were received was truly heartfelt. I expected that for a government facing an emergency situation, they would have very little time and ability to sit and talk.

But also given that we are one of the very few countries that was represented at ministerial level in Haiti – and this is also significant – they gave us time and were very open towards us. They themselves mentioned the historical relations between our two countries and we truly felt very welcome.

I think that Greek aid has really been useful. And I want to add – because this is not about praising ourselves – that we should thank all those who contributed: the NGOs, whose representatives I met at the airport, because we did not have the time to visit the makeshift hospitals that have set up there. They described the situation to us and their work is truly a colossal feat. These people are carrying out surgeries day and night, providing healthcare to children, etc.

But I also want to thank these organisations for their contributions and their initiatives, which went beyond what the Greek state could offer them, for the supplies they collected, and also the co-competent Ministries for the aid and medical supplies they offered. Also, the Orthodox Church of Greece for its cooperation and for its willingness to help from the very outset. I also want to thank, and it is important to say this, Hellenic Imperial Airways for carrying us to Haiti and for covering a significant part of the cost; nothing could have been done without them.

And also the companies here at Eleftherios Venizelos airport: Goldair Handing and Swissport for helping us with loading and storing the supplies, etc. It is important to mention all these people, because the response did not come merely from the government. And I am truly happy and proud as a Greek that Greece assumed the responsibility, that it was there, that it was present. And honestly, I’m saying this at a human level, this was one of the most emotional times in my life, to see a big airplane with the colours of the Greek flag in this destroyed country and sense that Greece is present.

Our country that is currently dealt many blows, that is going through tough times, that is here with a significant mission and a significant presence.

Journalist: Whom did you bring back? Did the plane evacuate people who needed to leave?

Mr. Kouvelis: The plane brought back a Greek citizen who wanted to be repatriated. I hope that he will be able to speak to you later. He was working for a telecommunications company there for the past 2-2.5 years, and when the earthquake struck he was in the office building. We had the chance to talk a little and he described the circumstances, the first moments the earthquake struck and what happened afterwards with words that I think only he could convey to you.

He was of course very happy to come back home, but I think that the Greek citizens who chose to stay are now safe.

Journalist: Do we know how many Greeks are still in Haiti?

Mr. Kouvelis: I don’t remember the exact number at the moment, but I think 3 or 4 have stayed behind. I also want to point out the very significant contribution of the brother of Haiti's Honorary Consul to Greece, Mr. De Lebrun, who travelled to Haiti and came back with us; he helped us a lot with organising the meetings and preserving a link between Haiti and Greece by being physically present. We extend a great many congratulations and a big thanks to him.   Thank you very much.