Athens, 16 February 2007

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Good morning. Yesterday, Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis completed her two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The visit took place in an exceptionally warm and productive climate. The political and economic sectors were the focus of the visit; two sectors that are independent of one another, but also interrelated.

The strengthening of relations was reconfirmed, as was the interest of both sides in further deepening and strengthening these relations. Also confirmed was Greece’s interest in the broader region of the Middle East.

During the visit, invitations to visit our country – from the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Karolos Papoulias, to the President of the United Arab Emirates and from Prime Minister Mr. Karamanlis to the crown prince of Abu Dhabi – were delivered.

The economic dimension of the visit was of particular interest. Ninety Greek businesses participated in the mission and had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with 200 UAE businesses.

Some 400 business meetings were held during the course of these two days, and deals worth over €5 million were concluded. Fifteen sectors were covered, with emphasis on the sectors of finance, hotels, alternative energy, construction, education, technology and ports, and of course there were agreements, initial agreements, on further strengthening cooperation in other sectors and between other companies.

Within this framework, representatives of 10 major UAE companies are set to visit Greece in the immediate future to continue their collaboration with Greek companies. Finally, a cooperation protocol was signed by SEV and the chambers of industry and commerce of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Summing up, I would like to say that it was a very important visit that provided equally important impetus in the relations between the two countries, and it showed that the emphasis that the Foreign Ministry puts on the economic dimension of diplomacy can produce specific, quantifiable and significant results.

During the visit, there was also emphasis on the political aspect of our relations, as I said. Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis had the opportunity to exchange views on developments in the Middle East issue, and in particular she welcomed the agreement reached recently in Mecca on the formation of a Palestinian government of national unity. And she also stressed the decisiveness of Saudi Arabia’s mediating role in the reaching of this agreement.

Within the framework of strengthening the international presence of our country in regions of emerging interest to Greece and of particular interest to Greece, such as Southeast Asia and the Arab Peninsula, Greece recently opened three new embassies:

·       in the capital of the Philippines, Manila, on 13 February,

·       in the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, on 29 January, and

·       in the capital of Qatar, Doha, on 8 February.

In May, our country is also set to open a new Consulate General in Guangzhou, China.

Regarding the Foreign Minister’s programme for the coming days, let me inform you that in addition to the meeting she is having right now with OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Mr. Ekeus, on 20 February, at about 18:00, she will address the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and Defence Affairs.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 20 and 21 February, she will participate in the meetings that the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Papadopoulos, will have during his visit to Athens.

Finally, as some of you showed particular interest – and I thank you for that – in the need for the Ministry’s website to make older Information Department archives available, as of today these archives will be available on the Foreign Ministry’s renovated website, at Current Affairs – News-Announcements – Archives, or at       http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Current+Affairs/News+-+Announcements/OldNews .

That’s all I had to say. I am at your disposal for any questions you might have.

Mr. Polatos: Do you agree with the Turkish assessment that Cyprus’s persistence with regard to oil exploration will negatively affect peace and stability in the region?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Obviously not, Mr. Polatos. I will repeat what is perfectly obvious. Independent states have the inalienable sovereign right to enter into inter-state agreements and honour them.

The path of calling into question this fundamental principle of international law – upon which the functioning of the international community itself is based – is a solitary path running against European regulations and European principles.

Mr. Gilson: Following the announcements made by Ms. Bakoyannis in Thrace, the Turkish Foreign Ministry persists is raising various issues, such as the demand for organisations in Thrace to use “Turkish” in their titles. Such as the Turkish Association of Xanthi, the Association of Turkish Women of Rodopi, etc.

Another example is the demand for Muftis to be elected in Xanthi by the local populations and for Sharia to be enforced there. The only place in Europe where Sharia is in effect.

According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Mr. Gul will raise these demands if and when he visits Athens. What answer will Mr. Gul receive if and when he raises these demands, and what answer is given to the Turkish Foreign Ministry when it raises these issues.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I see no basis for dialogue on issues concerning the minority policy that the Greek government is implementing with full respect for the principles and implemented principles of equal rights and equality before the law, which, moreover, have been enhanced and deepened by recent decisions from the government.

With regard to this issue, the government follows its policy just as it follows its policy on issues concerning the economy, on social issues; just as it follows its policy in the state’s other spheres of activity. With regard to these policies, as you can see, there has been and there is no basis for dialogue outside the country.

Mr. Gilson: Mr. Spokesman, can you explain to me how, in an EU member state, it is justifiable for Sharia law to be implemented for family law, and for this law to be interpreted by Islamic interpreters?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: It is, if you will, confirmation of respect for the day-to-day cultural references of the minority that certain regulations – mainly regarding family law – are in effect.

Mr. Gilson: But it is not in effect in Turkey. Shouldn’t we also respect European rule of law, which has been established for 300 years now?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I answered your question.

Mr. Bourdaras: Mr. Spokesman, given the stance maintained by Turkey on oil in the Eastern Aegean and the interest recently expressed by Ankara in proceeding to oil exploration in the Aegean.

Given the conduct of Turkish fighters – their continued violations – in the Aegean; the criticism being levelled at Greece regarding the state of affairs – as my colleague said earlier – in Thrace. Do you persist in the view that our bilateral relations are at a good level and that the EU candidate country is honouring its obligations under the chapter called good neighbourly relations?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The Eastern Mediterranean in particular – much more than other regions in the world – needs stability and peace. There is a need for good neighbourly relations and mutual respect between these countries.

This is what Egypt, Cyprus and Lebanon are doing in this particular case. What Turkey does is its own affair, and of course will be evaluated and judged.

More specifically with regard to your question on Greek-Turkish relations, the government remains firm in its policy of pursuing the improvement of these relations, at the same time protecting and fully safeguarding our interests and rights.

Mr. Bourdaras: You didn’t answer as to whether you continue to characterise these bilateral relations as you did – that they are at a very good level – given the conduct and statements of Turkey.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Greek-Turkish bilateral relations, as you know from the past, were not always straightforward.

In any case, for some years now, these relations have passed into another period characterised by strong elements of improvement in Greek-Turkish relations.

Mr. Santamouris: Mr. Spokesman, I would like to know what is on the agenda of the visitor Ms. Bakoyannis is receiving as we speak, and whether anything concerning the Muslim minority of Thrace is among the issues they will be discussing.

My second question has to do with whether the Greek-Turkish bilateral consultations [exploratory contacts] have been frozen.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As you know, the process of exploratory contacts is ongoing and in progress. There is no regular, scheduled time for these meetings. These meetings did not take place at regularly scheduled times.

Mr. Santamouris: Mr. Spokesman, pardon me. Since the last round was held, has a meeting of high-ranking officials from the two Ministries been scheduled and cancelled? Yes or no?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have no such information. The exploratory contacts are continuing. The process is ongoing. The meetings are not scheduled at regular intervals and have not been throughout the years in which the process has been ongoing.

Regarding your first question, the initiative for this particular visit was, as you know, taken by the Greek side. We invited Mr. Ekeus to Greece.

He will have a number of official meetings with Ministry officials. He will have a meeting with Mr. Valinakis and a brief meeting with the Foreign Minister. Issues within Mr. Ekeus’ competency will be discussed, of course.

Mr. Vitalis: Mr. Spokesman, do you see the announcement of the Turkish Energy Minister that Turkey will carry out oil exploration in the Aegean as friendly or as a move that will strengthen bilateral relations? And second, according to the Greek side, does Turkey have the right to carry out oil exploration in the Aegean, or not?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As you can see, I cannot comment statements of intentions. This is a statement of intention that is seen as an expression of intention, and of course the stance taken by our country will be decided if this statement of intention passes into the stage of implementation, depending on the way it is implemented.

Mr. Papathanasiou: Does the Ministry take this statement from the Energy Minister as a threat, and is it concerned about possible tension? Is it taking measures in this direction?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Listen, I said before that we needn’t repeat what is self-evident and obvious. These statements, other statements, developments in the region, developments in neighbouring states, in the immediate region, are constantly evaluated and studied in depth by the Foreign Ministry.

You can see that in the case of an announcement of this kind even greater attention is paid. This is a day-to-day procedure, and it is imperative that the Foreign Ministry carry it out. This is what it does, and beyond that there is neither concern nor anything else. There is professionalism and sangfroid. It is a process of evaluation, of concern, if you will, but beyond that, as I said, it is being evaluated as a statement of intentions.

Ms. Nikolaou: I wanted to ask whether the Cypriot government’s decision to carry out oil exploration with Egypt and Lebanon will be on the agenda of the talks Mr. Papadopoulos will have with Mr. Karamanlis.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: We have constant and substantial cooperation and communication regarding all of the issues that concern the two countries, the two leaders, the two governments. In short, Ms. Nikolaou, I neither confirm nor rule out anything.

Ms. Kourbela: Mr. Koumoutsakos, did the UAE ask Ms. Bakoyannis to contribute in the approach being made to Europe at this time by these countries – for the signing, in fact, of certain agreements with the EU?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have no specific information on that issue.

As you know, the EU, as a legal entity, and its member states, constantly sign inter-state agreements, whether these are part of a programme or not. And that’s why I mentioned a practice earlier. There is, as you know, an EU Mediterranean policy – the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue – and many sectors and fora where issues of cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean countries are being discussed in depth.

That’s not precisely what you asked, but as yours was a very specific question, at this time I don’t have specific information as to whether – within the framework of this political dialogue – there is something more specific regarding these particular countries and this particular sector of activity, that is, the energy sector.

Ms. Kourbela: From what I know, there is intensive discussion regarding the signing of a free trade agreement with the Arab countries in general, and this agreement of course includes the energy part.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I think its obvious that the EU puts particular emphasis on the energy sector. It has been addressed repeatedly of late by the Summit Meetings and Councils of Foreign Ministers, and I think it is perfectly logical that the energy sector should hold the particular attention of the EU.

Ms. Bouatar: I want to come back to my colleague’s question regarding Sharia. If I’m not mistaken, you said that the implementation of Sharia for European citizens is an indication of respect for there culture. I just want to confirm that this is your position, because I would say that it is quite progressive.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I said that the fact that there is, and has been throughout these years, acceptance of certain elements of family law was an indication of a sensitivity of the Greek state to certain realities – social realities – of Muslim Greek citizens. Of course, as you know, in history states of affairs to not remain unchanged and unaltered – they can change.

Mr. Barakat: During the Foreign Minister’s visit to the UAE, was there perhaps discussion of the issue of the UAE opening an embassy here in Greece? And if this is true, if there was a discussion of interest in selling Olympic Airlines to businesspersons from the Arab Emirates.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have no such information regarding Olympic Airlines. Regarding a UAE embassy in Greece, at this time we have parallel accreditation. But with the momentum building up in our bilateral relations, this may very soon be the subject of discussion.

Mr. Kottaridis: I would like to ask something about the Minister’s visit to Thrace. Or will you not answer me because she didn’t go as the Foreign Minister?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Ask your question, Mr. Kottaridis.

Mr. Kottaridis: Mr. Ahmed, the New Democracy MP who accompanied the Foreign Minister to Thrace as part of the advisory committee, has signed a statement in which the advisory committee characterises the measures as insufficient. Do you have a comment on this?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: No, I have no comment on that. As I said, the Greek government – and this was reiterated by the Cabinet – took very substantial measures to deepen and expand and strengthen the policy of equal rights and equality before the law that is being implemented in the country. Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis referred to these measures, at the invitation of the two Chambers of Commerce of Rodopi and Xanthi.

Beyond that, the criticism being made is criticism that anyone has the right to make. But at the same time, I note that it is criticism that focuses, if you will, on the eligibility of religious functionaries, whether they will be eligible for pharmaceutical coverage and other regulations following their entry into the public sector. That is essentially the focus of the criticism. But criticism is criticised as well.

Mr. Tsaka: Mr. Koumoutsakos, recently the new Parliament of Serbia voted on a resolution against the Ahtisaari package. What is your view? In the Serbian Parliament there was a statement from the President of the liberals, who said that the resolution was unrealistic because it cannot safeguard the sovereignty of a region of Serbia given that it has been lost since 1999. Does this resolution help in the negotiations that are to take place in Vienna in a few days?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The issue of Kosovo’s future status has in fact entered a critical and decisive stage. There are the proposals from Mr. Ahtisaari. In a few days, on 21 February, the consultations and negotiations between the two parties begin. Later, these consultations on a technocratic, official level are to be continued at a higher, political level, and a further step is the discussion that will take place at the United Nations. So the process has not stopped.

Greece is monitoring the development of this issue very closely and with great attention.

You referred to the decision of the Serbian Parliament, which adopted a resolution. At the same time, the same Parliament approved and consented to the forming of a Serbian negotiating team that is to take part in the consultations.

What Greece has said is that the immediately interested parties in this discussion must be extremely careful. They must show maturity so that this process can produce the best possible results.

And of course this call for maturity and seriousness concerns the one side – we have already mentioned the Serbs – as well as the other. I remind you that recently there were demonstrations against the UN because it was considered that the Ahtisaari proposal does not satisfy the desires of the Kosovo Albanians. There were demonstrations and, in fact, they were bloody, with two casualties.

Ms. Voudouri: There is intensive diplomatic activity regarding the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In your view, is this activity leading to any direct, specific actions on this issue?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As your question suggests, I think you are up on the latest positions that have been heard from other countries regarding the name issue. The Greek government remains firm in its policy, which is a policy of participation in a very constructive manner in the process that is in progress in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution. I am referring to the process of the Special Envoy, Mr. Nimetz.

Greece is participating constructively – and it has shown this – in this process. Our position is that a mutually acceptable solution is needed on this issue. We are continuing this policy and we think this is a correct policy.

Whether there will be major developments – and I assume you are referring mainly to whether Mr. Nimetz will make some proposal. Mr. Nimetz was recently in both capitals, evaluating things. At this time I cannot make a precise prediction. But at the same time my feeling is that we should not expect something any time soon.

Ms. Haoua: Cyprus does not maintain relations with Turkey. Greece does. What can Greece do to avert the problem and at the same time respect Cyprus’s sovereignty?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: What Greece is doing is fully respecting the fundamental principles of international law and the functioning of the international community. That is a major and significant contribution.

Mr. Gilson: Does Greece, which is often called the leading power in the Balkans, believe that the Ahtisaari plan, as set out, contributes to stability in the Balkans?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: We have already stressed two basic things regarding the Ahtisaari process. First, we have said that we support the efforts being made by Mr. Ahtisaari. We noted with interest and satisfaction that there are provisions in the plan that provide for specific and broad freedoms for local administration, and in general regarding the manner in which the future status of Kosovo will function.

At the same time, we have observed that his proposals do not provide for a gradual implementation that will give the parties time to adapt to and assimilate the new state of affairs.

Beyond that, we see it as very important that the international community should – and I think this decision has been taken – have a strong and clear presence in this region. Of course, the European Union is preparing – if this is necessary in the end – to play a very important role in this international presence. So our country is preparing to make a very substantial contribution to this European Union presence.

Mr. Gilson: A follow-up question, please. Should some plan be approved in the end . . .

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Let me add something. We will make an important contribution to the European Union mission precisely because we attach such importance to issues concerning stability in our region.

Mr. Gilson: Should some plan be approved in the end by the UN Security Council – that is, neither Russia nor any other state exercises its veto, and implementation proceeds without the consent of the Serbian state – do you think this might have negative consequences for the stability of the Balkans?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: We’re talking scenarios right now. Your question is based on a scenario. I must note that the assessments being carried out are not one-sided. This is not the only possible outcome being examined. Three or four or five possible developments are being considered.

Mr. Gilson: Let me put it more simply: If the Serbs don’t consent, can a plan be implemented?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I will not take a stance on hypothetical scenarios, particularly at such a critical juncture. I’m telling you what our country is doing and the positions that it has expressed – its point of reference being stability in the region.

Mr. Gilson: Please, you have repeatedly said that you call for a mutually acceptable solution. I ask you: If there is not a mutually acceptable solution, can this solution be implemented?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: At this stage, Greece will continue to talk about a viable and functional solution. A solution accepted by both sides. It is obvious that for it to be viable, it cannot be one-sided.

Mr. Vitalis: Mr. Spokesman, I hear what you are saying. Tell me something. Greece, as a presence in the Balkans and regarding this issue, at a time when this Ahtisaari Plan story is in progress – has the Greek side accelerated, if you will, a European perspective for Serbia, that is, accession for Serbia to the European Union, so that the whole region, at least, can be in an environment of European security? Because these are totally different things, now. And one last point. Have you discussed the Kosovo issue with the Russian side – how it is being confronted? Are you concerned at all regarding the moves you have made as the Greek side?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I’ll start with Serbia’s European perspective and the role of our country. It is well known – and I won’t analyse it any further – that Greece, together with other countries, but Greece as a country of the region is playing a leading role in the efforts being made in the European Union for Serbia’s European course to gain substantial content and momentum.

We believe that within a short period of time the process for concluding a Stability and Association Agreement for Serbia with the EU should be reopened. For its part, Serbia – and we have said this – must show strong, clear will on the issue of the International Criminal Court.

And here I will add that our country played a leading role – along with other NATO member states – in the Atlantic Alliance’s decision for Serbia’s inclusion in the Partnership for Peace,  at the Riga Summit Meeting a few months ago.

So this is a constant parameter in our policy.

As for communication with Russia, it is obvious that Greece has open channels of communication with all states, including Russia, which has an important role in this matter as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Russia has expressed concerns, and they are well known. Greece is assessing them. Beyond that, Greece’s position is the position I set out for you.

Mr. Polatos: I want to ask whether there is anything new regarding Mr. Gul’s visit. Mr. Gul announced a . . .

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: There is nothing new.

Mr. Polatos: He announced a specific timetable for the beginning of March. Preparations are being made there based on this timeframe.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: There is nothing new on that issue.

Mr. Polatos: When Mr. Gul comes, will confidence-building measures be discussed, as you said previously?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Your second question presupposes an answer to your first question, regarding which I told you there was nothing new.

Mr. Polatos: So no preparations are being made for a visit from Mr. Gul?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I said that there is nothing new on Mr. Gul’s visit. What we have said so far holds true.

Mr. Polatos: Not even diplomatic preparations are being made?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: That is self-evident. Greek-Turkish relations always have a specific content, they have specific issues and it is on these issues that the Foreign Ministry is constantly working. It does not wait for a specific visit to be carried out on a given date or a few days later in order to carry out its mission and prepare.

Mr. Polatos: Forgive me, maybe I haven’t understood correctly. Mr. Gul announces that, following his visit to the United States, at the beginning of March, he will be visiting Greece and, within a few hours, Ms. Bakoyannis confirms this from Thrace, saying that we are expecting Mr. Gul to visit Greece in March. Is this true or not?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have nothing further to add to these statements.

Mr. Polatos: So these statements are unconfirmed? Have they been cancelled out by something?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I did not say they were unconfirmed. There is the Minister’s statement, to which I have nothing further to add. With regard to Mr. Gul’s statement, you can see that it is not within my competence.

Mr. Santamouris: My question is as follows. You said previously, in your answer regarding the person invited by Ms. Bakoyannis, that issues of his competency will be discussed. Within the OSCE, issues have been raised or discussed on many levels that relate to the Albanian, Turkish, Macedonian minority in Greece. Are these issues among the issues to be discussed by the Minister and her guest?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: On these positions, within the framework of the OSCE, there have been official, public positions from the Greek Foreign Ministry. These positions are not only publicly stated, they are stated in one-on-one meetings.

Journalist: The second question has to do with Turkey. I would also like to ask you whether, in your view, there is a time frame for observing developments, which could bring the issue of The Hague back to the table in bilateral consultations.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The option of having recourse to the Court in The Hague is one of the tools, one of the options that the Greek government has, which are included in its overall policy vis-a-vis Turkey. An overall policy that has a European dimension, given Turkey’s European perspective, and also a bilateral dimension, which translates into efforts to improve relations, i.e., continuing the process of exploratory contacts.

An important element and an important option within this overall policy is the ability to resort to the International Court in The Hague. We are not reinventing the wheel by repeating this position.

Ms. Koridi: Mr. Spokesman, three days ago the TV channel “Extra 3” revealed that the Athens daily “TO VIMA” had published an ad calling FYROM Macedonia. The TV channel levelled fierce criticism at the Foreign Ministry as well, whereas the daily published an apology the next day. I am asking for your comment on behalf of the Foreign Ministry. Thank you.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the criticism levelled at the Foreign Ministry.

Ms. Koridi: Regarding the criticism of course, what is your position? A comment.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Listen, as the newspaper itself reported in its front page statement the next day, the particular advert was paid for by a foreign client. The newspaper itself clarified its position with regard to this issue, which of course caused dismay and upset people. But the newspaper has already taken a stance by calling it a mistake.

Thank you.