Athens
, 17 April 2007
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Good morning. The coming weeks will be a time of intensive diplomatic activity, with a series of meetings, visits, and Greece’s participation, on the level of Foreign Minister, in international meetings. I would like to give you a basic outline of the programme of these activities through the end of April.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 April, at 09:00, Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis will have a working breakfast with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama, who is on a working visit to our country. Statements will follow. The main subjects of discussion will be Greek-Sri Lankan bilateral political relations and, mainly, the development of economic relations, with emphasis on the issues of development cooperation and assistance.
At 11:00, Ms. Bakoyannis will meet with the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Kosovo, Mr. Ruecker, who is visiting our country to participate as a speaker at a conference, and who requested, as I said, to meet with the Foreign Minister.
On Thursday, 19 April, Ms. Bakoyannis will travel to Belgrade to participate in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Ministerial Meeting being hosted by Serbia, which holds the Chairmanship of the Organisation this semester. The next BSEC Chairmanship goes to Turkey.
This Ministerial Meeting will examine the whole range of issues that concern the BSEC. Our country considers the development of BSEC-EU relations to be of great importance, and in particular we support the BSEC’s being given observer status in the EU.
Additionally, the Memorandum on the Construction of the Black Sea ring highway – which has been dubbed the road of the Argonauts – will be signed by the countries participating in the BSEC.
On the margins of the Meeting, the Foreign Minister will have meetings with Serbian President Mr. Tadic and Serbian Foreign Minister Mr. Draskovic. A meeting is also scheduled with her Russian counterpart, Mr. Lavrov.
Later on the same day, Madame Minister will travel to Rhodes to participate in the two-day Meeting – 19 and 20 April – of EU European Affairs Ministers on the new EU Maritime Policy. The Foreign Minister will make the opening speech on the morning of 20 April.
For the basic outline of this meeting – The EU’s New Maritime Policy: Quality of life and security in coastal regions – refer to the previous briefing.
Participation – beyond the competent EU Commissioner, Mr. Borg – will be on the Ministerial level and on the level of the highest-ranking competent officials from all the countries of the European Union.
On Friday, 20 April, at 12:15, there will be a press conference.
On Saturday evening – 21 April – the Foreign Minister will meet at the Foreign Ministry with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, who will be visiting our country at the invitation of the Foreign Minister. This visit is also part of a tour that started yesterday of a number of European countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
Regarding this particular meeting, I want to stress that there is – as you know – particular Greek interest in the Palestinian problem and the situation in the Middle East in general; an interest that was exhibited strongly and clearly during the course of last summer and autumn. Last summer we had the participation of our country in confronting the results of the crisis in Lebanon, and then, within the framework of the UN Security Council, during the Greek Presidency, we organized an important debate on the Arab-Israeli dispute.
The visit of Mr. Abbas and his meeting with the Foreign Minister is taking place at a very important time. The Mecca Agreement on the formation of a Government of National Unity in the Palestinian territories is very recent. Also recently, we had the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration, which re-tables the Arab proposal for resolution of the dispute. And, of course, this meeting comes after Mr. Abbas’s recent meeting with Mr. Olmert. As you know, these meetings now take place regularly – Mr. Abbas meets with Mr. Olmert once every 15 days or so.
Next week, on Monday, 23 April, the Foreign Minister will participate in the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Luxembourg. Some of the items on the agenda are the World Trade Organization, the EU-US Summit Meeting, the EU-Gulf Countries Cooperation Council, the Western Balkans, and other issues that we will be able to brief you on either in written form or at our next meeting. I also stress that on the margins of this GAERC there will be a meeting of the EU Troika with Russia and an EU-Lebanon Association Council.
On Tuesday, 24 April, Ms. Bakoyannis is scheduled to meet with her Slovenian counterpart, who will be in our country within the framework of an official visit being carried out by the Slovenian Prime Minister to our country.
On the same day, Ms. Bakoyannis is scheduled to meet with the UK Minister of State for Europe, Mr. Hoon, at his request. Mr. Hoon will be visiting Athens following the GAERC, and he is also set to visit Nicosia the following day.
Finally, on 26 and 27 April the Foreign Minister will participate in the Informal Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Oslo. The basic issues to be addressed at this meeting are Afghanistan, Kosovo, NATO enlargement, and preparations for the 2008 Summit Meeting.
Regarding the activities of the Deputy Foreign Ministers, on Thursday, 19 April, Mr. Yannis Valinakis will travel to Rhodes to participate in the Meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers on “The New EU Maritime Policy”. On the margins of the Meeting, Mr. Valinakis will meet at 18:00 with the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Joe Borg, and at 18:30 with the Portuguese Deputy Minister for National Defense and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Joao Mira Gomes.
On Monday, 23 April, Mr. Valinakis will be in Luxembourg to participate with Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis in the GAERC.
On Wednesday, 18 April, at 11:45, Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Stylianidis will meet at the Foreign Ministry with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama. On Thursday, 19 April, he will accompany the Foreign Minister to the BSEC Ministerial Meeting in Belgrade. On the same day, at 15:00, Mr. Stylianidis will attend the starting ceremony for the “Black Sea Ring Highway Caravan”, which will depart from Belgrade on 19 April and travel through all the Black Sea countries, marking the signing by these countries of the Memorandum on the Construction of the Black Sea Ring Highway (Road of the Argonauts).
And finally, regarding the programme of Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Kassimis, on Wednesday, 18 April, he will host a working luncheon for a delegation from the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) here in Athens.
That’s it for announcements. As I mentioned intensive diplomatic activity in the coming period at the beginning of the briefing, I would also like to note that the Foreign Minister’s visit to China has been finalised and will take place within the first two weeks of May and early in the second half of May.
Later, as well, in June, there will be a number of other meetings and activities. The Foreign Minister has announced her intention to carry out a number of visits to the Middle East, sometime in the second and third weeks of June.
Your questions, please.
Mr. Mavridis: Mr. Hoon, following the meeting, you said, on 24 April, will come to Athens and will then go to Nicosia the same week? When did you say that was?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The following day he will go to Nicosia. On 24 April he will be in Athens, and the next day he will be in Nicosia.
Mr. Mavridis: So she will see him in Luxembourg and then in Athens?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: No, in Luxembourg it will be within the framework of the GAERC. I just mentioned that Mr. Hoon’s visit to Athens will come immediately after the General Affairs Council.
Mr. Meletis: Mr. Spokesman, I wanted to ask whether the Greek Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry intend to follow the advice of the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, who was here a few days ago, and whether you have already requested rescheduling of the exercise that included Agios Efstratios. And when will this exercise take place?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As soon as there is anything new on this, it will be announced.
Mr. Meletis: That is, when is it expected to take place?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I can’t give a specific time at this time.
Mr. Meletis: Have we requested a date and are we just waiting for an answer from NATO?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: My answer stands.
Mr. Meletis: My question is clear. It is whether you have requested that the exercise take place and are waiting for a reply, or have we not submitted a request?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I think my answer indicates how the particular issue is being handled. When we have a specific date, it will be announced.
Mr. Meletis: Has it been requested?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As soon as there is a specific date, it will be announced.
Mr. Meletis: So you’re not answering my question as to whether it has been requested.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I think I have answered your question.
Mr. Meletis: No – how have you answered it, Mr. Spokesman? I’m asking whether you have made a request, and you say that if there is to be an exercise, it will be announced.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I didn’t say if. I said when.
Mr. Meletis: So I can assume that it hasn’t been requested, but at some point a date for the exercise may be announced.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I do not question your right to make assumptions.
Mr. Santamouris: Have any meetings on this issue been scheduled for the Minister on the margins of the Informal NATO Meeting? Or will this be worked out in the coming days?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: It will be worked out in the coming days. As you know, regarding the issue of this particular exercise – and specifically concerning the issue of the groundless Turkish position regarding the demilitarization status of Agios Efstratios – there have been repeated statements from the Greek side designating precisely the manner in which this unfounded, legally void and politically counterproductive grievance from Turkey is being confronted.
Mr. Pollatos: At this time, Mr. Spokesman, when you say that Turkey’s conduct is characterized as groundless, legally void and counterproductive, what does the Foreign Ministry expect from tomorrow’s meeting of the Chief of the Defense General Staff with the head of the Turkish armed forces in Thessaloniki? And a second question: whether Turkey’s conduct, with the interception of Greek planes within the Athens FIR, is within the framework of the pre-election period in Turkey.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the meetings of the Chiefs of the General Staffs of the Balkan countries, as you know, this is an important initiative on the part of the Greek Chief of Staff. You can see that I cannot go into a further discussion of an activity of the Defense Ministry.
Regarding the issue you raised concerning Turkish conduct in the Aegean, Turkish activity in the Aegean – not just during this specific period, but throughout the previous period; there is, as you know, a long-standing Turkish practice in the Aegean – is being monitored carefully and is assessed and addressed by the two Ministries in cooperation, operationally and diplomatically.
And you mentioned interceptions. The information I have from the National Defense Ministry does not confirm the information that came out regarding interceptions or identification. In fact, there was, in a three-day period in the second half of March, a Turkish practice of Greek planes being approached by Turkish planes. Flights and approaches that were not of the nature of identification or interception.
But, as I said, this Turkish practice as well is being addressed in the same manner as the general and overall Turkish activity in the Aegean. That is, it is being monitored, evaluated and addressed on an operational and diplomatic level.
Ms. Kourbela: Mr. Koumoutsakos, when the Minister visits China, will she be heading some kind of economic mission? That is, will the visit be more economic or political in nature?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: It is a all-around approach to the extremely well developed Sino-Hellenic relations.
Ms. Kourbela: And another question, regarding the EU-US Summit Meeting. Are there any particular issues that Greece would like to see discussed at this Summit?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The agenda for this particular Meeting is determined by the Presidency, as you know. EU-US relations as a whole are very important, so this is the Greek side’s approach.
Mr. Mavridis: Are you aware that in recent days videos of dubious origin have been circulating on the Internet showing fighters of the self-styled “Liberation Army of Tsamouria”, showing maps that show a large portion of Epirus and Thesprotia as belonging to Tsamouria and threatening Greeks to ‘start listening’ and liberate these regions, because otherwise the Balkans are in store for major trouble. Are you aware of this, and if you are, how do you answer to this?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I think that with regard to messages of this kind – of dubious origin and credibility – whether on the Internet or elsewhere, there is no need for me to even repeat the firm position: that these issues have essentially been resolved by history and international treaties. There are no such issues. Just as there is no issue of Greek sovereignty and Greek sovereign rights.
Mr. Meletis: I would like to ask about an article in the weekly newspaper Paraskevi+13 (Friday the 13th) and contacts that the Russian Ambassador to Athens had. I wanted to ask what the Greek Foreign Ministry’s position is on the issue of Estonia, the violation of the rights of the Russian minority alleged by the Russian government and the dispute that has broken out regarding the intention of the Estonian government to demolish a symbol, a monument to the victims of the Second World War.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: We have repeatedly stated regarding cases like this that in modern Europe history cannot become and should not become something that has a negative impact on, or leads to regression in, bilateral relations between states. This general principle holds true for this particular case, as well.
Mr. Meletis: As the article stated that a high-level source in the Foreign Ministry passed on to the Russian Ambassador, in the contact he had with the latter, that he can discuss these issues with the US and not with Greece, do you deny this?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I don’t take positions depending on articles or on alleged discussions of what some Foreign Ministry official said, etc. I have no comment on that.
Mr. Papathanasiou: There appears to be a more active involvement of Greek diplomacy in Middle East issues, and this is also marked by the visit of Mr. Abbas. What does Athens expect from this meeting that Mr. Abbas will have here with the Greek political leadership, and what does Greek diplomacy want to get from this?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Through this visit, Greek diplomacy wants to underline and reiterate Greece’s active interest in there being specific steps of progress on the issue of resolving the Palestinian problem, which it considers to be the “heart” of the issues concerning the Middle East. We have repeatedly said that without specific progress on this issue, it is extremely difficult for the situation in the Middle East to return to conditions of stability and calm, to the benefit of all the peoples living in this particular region.
And second, to be briefed in detail by Mr. Abbas, who is carrying out intensive and substantial activities aimed at achieving progress on the Palestinian issue.
Mr. Santamouris: Within the framework of this active interest, as you called it, in the Palestinian issue or the Middle East in general, is Greece willing to take on, or examining taking on, more – let’s say – “burdens”, than that of organising in Athens one of the usual informal meetings of Palestinians and Israelis, which take place around the world? That is my first question. And my second question is, is there an assessment at the Foreign Ministry on the fluctuating stance on the part of the Europeans vis-a-vis Turkey’s candidacy to become a member of the European Union, given developments with regard to presidential elections in France and Mr. Erdogan’s recent contacts in Germany and other countries?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I will begin with your second question. The Greek position with regard to Turkey’s European perspective is a strategic position. It is known. We have repeatedly said that it is summed up in four words: “Full compliance, full accession”.
We believe that this is an sincere and realistic policy regarding Turkey’s European perspective. It is based on this position that we handle, address, evaluate and, of course, take part in discussions that are under way within the European Union, on a political level but also on a procedural level, i.e., Turkey’s evolving accession process.
There are upcoming presidential elections in France and we will see how the European political dialogue on the issue of Turkey’s European course will develop, once the elections are held. As I said, the Greek position is clear, realistic and sincere.
With regard to your first question, for the moment no decision has been taken on this particular initiative of organising a meeting such as the one you mentioned.
Mr. Meletis: I would like to ask whether, within the framework of the government’s interest in the Middle East and the Palestinian issue, our Embassy in Washington intends to organise an event with the Palestinians, because I see its programme of the last six months and there have been a least a dozen events for the Jews with Israel and with this AIPAC organisation, which Mr. Soros denounced yesterday. I would like to ask whether there is an intention to hold an event for Palestinians at our Embassy in Washington. This is my first question, and the second question is: I would like a comment on the arrest of MEP Mr. Matsakis by the British authorities of the base.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As I just announced, there is going to be a meeting between Mr. Abbas and the Foreign Minister and this is a clear indication of Greece’s stance and the perception regarding the Middle East issue. At the same time, our relations with Israel are very good and this allows us to discuss matters, as I said, with ease, sincerity and fully with all the parties to this ongoing dispute. Within this framework, there are of course meetings such as the one between Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Kassimis and AIPAC.
We have repeatedly said that Greece moves in a manner that ensures credibility and its capability of talking sincerely and openly with all the parties involved in the Arab-Israeli problem in the Middle East.
With regard to Mr. Matsakis’ arrest, it is obvious that we condemn such practices, it is unreasonable to arrest Members of the European Parliament or other legislative organs, be they national, or of international organisations, or of the European Union in this particular case. This unfortunate incident is now fortunately over.
Mr. Santamouris: The spokesman for EU Enlargement Commissioner, Mr. Rehn, states that the Commission has nothing to state on the issue, given that the territory on which Mr. Matsakis was arrested is outside community territory, that’s my first question. And the second question, which may have its significance, is that the European Union cannot intervene in matters with which it has not concerned itself in the past.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I referred to the Greek position on this issue and beyond that the positions, statements and judgement of others are judged.
Ms. Nikolaou: A related question. Because Mr. Matsakis said, coming out of Larnaka hospital yesterday, given that British bases are British territory and not Community territory, that he will do everything he can for the bases to be incorporated into the European Union. What is your comment on this statement?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have no particular comment.
Mr. Mavridis: Last week, the National Security Council met in Cyprus to discuss the issue of Mr. Talat’s latest letter, which allegedly torpedoes the 8 July agreement. I would like your position on this issue and a comment on how the Greek side interprets and understands this change in the Turkish Cypriot stance.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Greece’s position has been consistent and well known for a very long time. We believe that the process of resolving the Cyprus issue must start. But this presupposes the appropriate in-depth preparation in order for this process to have guarantees of success – because I can’t believe that anyone wants a new failed attempt.
There is such a preparation framework and it is the 8 July agreement, which is in a way a step toward the implementation of the Paris agreement between Mr. Annan and Mr. Papadopoulos. This framework, therefore, exists; it can and should be used.
The Cyprus government has proven that it addresses this particular process in a constructive spirit. As you know, and as it has been reported in the news media, we were at some point very close to reaching a decision on moving ahead with this process; on launching contacts between working groups and technical committees.
But the Turkish side backed out at the last minute. So at the given time the Turkish Cypriot side did not get the green light it needed to move ahead.
Mr. Santamouris: Indications are that we should not expect any substantial mobility on the Skopje name issue. In the context of this inertia, is there potential for other forms of negotiation – instead of the given framework within the UN – being examined, such as talks, consultations in Athens and Skopje between the delegations of the two countries?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The process within the UN on reaching a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue is valid. Mr. Nimetz has been given a specific mandate. Beyond that, there are certain practical developments, without this meaning that the form or the place of negotiations or any other element will change.
I simply have to point out that there are two practical developments: Ambassador Mr. Vasilakis, who took part in these meetings and consultations, is reaching the end of his term as the permanent representative to the United Nations.
Also, on the part of Skopje, Mr. Dimitrov, who until a couple of months ago was FYROM’s Ambassador to Washington D.C., has now completed his tour there, and therefore there are certain practical developments that should be taken into consideration.
This does not mean – and please, I would like what I said not to be misinterpreted – that there are grounds for a change – or that a change is imminent – in the form in which this particular process is evolving.
Mr. Meletis: Will Mr. Vasilakis remain as special coordinator . . .
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have no such information at the moment.
Mr. Fourlis: I would like to come back to Greek-Turkish relations. Mr. Spokesman, for weeks there have been reports – some of them official by the Ministry of National Defence – of overflights. I remember at least five or six such cases and I am sure that they are many more, because not all of them are announced officially, but are confirmed unofficially, and there were news reports yesterday and today, in the “Ta Nea” and “Eleftheros Typos” dailies.
Do you deny all this? That is, are you saying that none of what has been written in yesterday’s and today’s press is true, and are you saying that there isn’t something worth assessing, but merely noting, as they are noted by the Defence Ministry? Isn’t there anything for you to evaluate, and will you not confirm any of yesterday’s and today’s reports?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I don’t think that my answer could possibly allow for such an interpretation. I said that the Turkish activities of the past few days – just as for every other previous occurrence, because as you know there is a practice of ups and downs over the last few years – that Turkish activity in the Aegean is monitored, evaluated and operationally and diplomatically addressed. This was my answer.
I also spoke of the briefing that I received from the Ministry of National Defence with regard to a specific element of today’s and yesterday’s reports in the press regarding interceptions. I said that, within a time period of three days, between 13 and 15 March, there was a practice of Turkish aircraft approaching Greek aircraft. Approaches that were not of the nature of interceptions or identifications of Greek planes.
There isn’t, as you said, a full denial or such a thing. On the contrary, I commented on a specific part of these reports.
I would like to stress here that briefings of our partners and allies on Turkish practices in the last year have been constant and I would like to repeat that this was one of the main issues discussed at the meetings that the Foreign Minister had with members of the US administration during her recent visit to the US.
Let’s be clear, the status of the Aegean, Greek sovereignty and Greek sovereign rights, are determined in a way that cannot be called into question, based on international law, international treaties – first and foremost the Lausanne Treaty. They are beyond dispute.
Mr. Meletis: Mr. Spokesman, were any demarches made regarding the activity that you described on these three days – 13-15 March – and what was the response from the Turkish side?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Yes, Mr. Meletis, there have been demarches and a series of other actions that I need not mention at this point, but I would like to say that there was thorough diplomatic presentation and support for Greece’s indisputable positions.
Mr. Meletis: What was Turkey’s response? Were the demarches rejected or accepted?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Turkey’s response is not my concern, Mr. Meletis.
Mr. Meletis: No, I didn’t say that it is of your concern, I asked whether you can brief us.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have nothing specific to tell you at this point.
Ms. Voudouri: In an interview that was published yesterday in a German magazine, Turkish Premier Erdogan flatly rejected the possibility of a reopening of the Halki Seminary, stating that if the European Union rejects us on the issue of the Halki seminary, let them go ahead. Do you have a comment on that?
And a second question: Do you foresee a meeting between the Foreign Minister and her Turkish counterpart soon, perhaps at the Informal Meeting of NATO Ministers?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: You realise that this is Mr. Erdogan’s position. I think it is being evaluated as such. Beyond that, the European Union has set criteria, prerequisites and conditions for progress in Turkey’s accession course, particularly with regard to the Halki Seminary issue and, in general, with regard to the issue of respect for religious rights and freedoms. And it is based on these that the candidate country’s stance, i.e., Turkey’s stance, is being evaluated in the process under way.
Mr. Santamouris: When the Agios Efstratios affair arose, we asked NATO for a briefing, if I remember well, and we were waiting for an official reply. Do I remember correctly, Mr. Spokesman?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Yes.
Mr. Santamouris: Did we receive that reply?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: We are expecting it in the next few days.
Thank you.