Athens, 25 May 2007

The Greek community in Egypt: a bridge for strengthening bilateral relations

Journalist: In a previous interview, you mentioned that the Middle East issue is divided into four individual problems – the Palestinian problem; the Lebanon issue, the triangle of Hezbollah, Syria and Israel; Iran's nuclear program; and Iraq – and these four fronts are intertwined. What is your view of these problems, and what do you see as being the solutions?

Ms. Bakoyannis: My statement that the Middle East problem consists of four basic parts indicates that these problems cannot be confronted separately and in isolation from one another. The international community must adopt a comprehensive strategy on the Middle East. I have repeatedly confirmed that the Palestinian problem is at the epicentre of the problems that exist in the Middle East. Any substantial progress will have positive repercussions for all the conflicts in the region. So progress must be made in the peace process and all the opportunities that exist must be taken advantage of.

Journalist: What is the objective of the tour you are carrying out of the Middle East, and what countries will be included in this tour? Are there new ideas and initiatives that you will communicate to the countries that you visit?

Ms. Bakoyannis: Greece has a particular and at the same time very visible interest in developments in the Middle East. It is doing everything it can to support the peace process, to resolve the tension and to assist in the spreading of stability and security. This was very apparent last September, when Greece held the Presidency of the UN Security Council and a special session of Foreign Ministers – the first in 20 years – was held to look in detail at the Middle East issue. Moreover, everyone is aware of our reaction –  from the very start – when war broke out in Lebanon last July. I remind you that Greece participated in the UNIFIL force with two Greek Navy frigates.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, I am planning to visit the Middle East. I hope that I will be able to visit – beyond Egypt – Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, so as to gain an on-site, direct and in-depth briefing on developments and the prospects for the peace process.

Journalist: What is your assessment of the role of Egypt and the role of Greece with regard to the resolution of the problems prevailing in the region of the Middle East? Do you support the vision of President Mubarak for the holding of an international conference for combating terrorism?

Ms. Bakoyannis: Egypt is playing a basic and leading role in the resolution of the problems that exist in the Middle East. This is confirmed every day by the efforts made by President Mubarak and the Egyptian government to promote the peace process and utilize all the opportunities that arise for cooperation with the involved sides, among which is the EU. Greece, too, is working in the same spirit, and trying to bring together the voices of all those pursuing the re-establishing of peace and stability. Don't forget that Greece has traditionally close and very good relations with the countries of the Middle East. It is linked to the countries of the Middle East by bonds of friendship, culture, history, politics, geography, and economy. By the same token, Greece has shown its strength in the sector of combating terrorism. It's stance is firm with regard to the confrontation of all terrorist groups. President Mubarak's initiative is without doubt a very interesting initiative that must be examined with the attention it deserves on an international level.

Journalist: Greek-Egyptian relations are traditional and strong. What efforts have you made since becoming Foreign Minister to maintain the strength of these relations?

Ms. Bakoyannis: Greece lends particular importance to the strengthening of the traditional and historical relations that it has with Egypt. Within this framework, we must not forget the Greek community of Egypt, which acted as a unifying link and contributed actively to confirming these long-standing bonds of friendship. These relations were confirmed once more recently, as the newly elected President of the SAE, Mr. Stefanos Tamvakis, is a member of the Alexandria community. On a governmental level, there are mutual exchanges of visits by Greek and Egyptian officials. These visits cover a broad range of issues of common interest, and expand the cooperation of our two countries in the sectors of energy, security, transport and investments.

Journalist: Greece is well known for its support on Arab issues. Are there any relevant initiatives that you have submitted to the Security Council or the EU?

Ms. Bakoyannis: I referred earlier to the initiative taken by Greece in the Security Council at the UN, last September. Greece is constantly submitting proposals, whether on a bilateral or international level, and particularly on the European level. Here I would like to mention the recent meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, which was held in Luxembourg, and at which Greece requested the sending of a clear and positive message of support for the Palestinian Government of National Unity. Moreover, Greece submitted a request to invite the Palestinian Foreign Minister to attend one of the upcoming meetings of EU Foreign Ministers.

Journalist: There are problems and differences with regard to the issues that concern the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. What is your comment on this?

Ms. Bakoyannis: The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem is one of the oldest religious institutions in Jerusalem. It oversees the majority of Sacred Sites that have been in this region for many centuries. The Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilus III, has the ability to carry out the difficult mission of his office, fulfilling his duties completely and responsibly. On the other hand, there is certainly a need for him to be supported by everyone. The problems and differences that you referred to are the results of major difficulties and hostilities that have rocked the region, including his non-recognition by Israel to date. Greece will continue in every way possible to give its support to the Patriarchate, and has been doing this for many years now, even before these circumstances arose in the region

Journalist: How do you see Turkey's future with the EU, and what are the points blocking Athens and Ankara from approaching each other more closely?

Ms. Bakoyannis: As you know, Greece's support for Turkey's accession to the EU is a strategic choice on the part of Athens. This is why our neighbour must satisfy the necessary prerequisites for accession to the EU. The strategic choice on the part of Greece is based on its believe that Turkey's accession to the EU depends on Turkey itself. And by the same token, if this accession takes place, there will be benefits for Turkey as well as the EU.

Journalist: In Greece, there are approximately 1 million immigrants, a number that is considered high in comparison with the population of the country. What are your plans for these immigrants and how is illegal migration being confronted?

Ms. Bakoyannis: The Greek government is showing great interest in resolving the bulk of the problems being confronted by immigrants. The resolution of these problems is an issue of the utmost importance for our relations with other countries. Regarding the immigrants in our country, we give priority to the issue of their speedy and effective integration into Greek society. Greece welcomes those immigrants who contribute to the creation of an open society of different cultures, which is considered one of the basic mechanisms of growth. For our part we are making efforts to assess the skills of immigrants, while also protecting and guaranteeing their rights, and solving the problems they face. This is why the competent services started to re-examine the policy being followed on migration issues, with a view to upgrading and improving these policies and bring them into line with European and international law.