Government

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ interview with “To Vima” newspaper and journalist Alexandra Fotaki (16.10.2022)

JOURNALIST: Is the escalation of tension on Turkey’s part a pre-election ruse or a realistic threat? What measures are you taking and what coordination is there between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defence?

N. DENDIAS: As I have stated in the past, the escalation of rhetoric from the Turkish side has reached unprecedented levels. We are also witnessing the instrumentalization of the migration issue as well as constant efforts to smear our country’s image through the continuous spread of fake news. I fear that as the Turkish elections approach, tensions will not subside, increasing the risk of an accident or a deliberate provocative move. For this reason, vigilance, alertness, unity and calm are required. In the face of an escalating threat, Greece is shielding itself. On the diplomatic front, I have taken steps to keep friends and allies informed, as well as to strengthen the network of relations we have established. This is critical in order for our positions, which are based on the application of International Law, to be understood and supported. As regards cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, it is excellent and constant at ministerial and other levels. I recall, among other things, that we have established an independent Defence Diplomacy Office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, staffed by military personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces, to ensure that there is constant and concrete information about the situation on the ground.

JOURNALIST: Turkey is trying to justify itself by invoking the Treaties of Lausanne and Paris. In your contacts, how do allies and partners deal with the escalation of Turkish rhetoric? Is there a willingness to take mediation initiatives?

N. DENDIAS: Let me begin with the last part of your question. There would be room for mediation if the Turkish side was willing to talk to us and there were no direct channels of communication. There are, however, several possibilities for bilateral contacts at all levels. The point is that the Turkish side with its attitude hinders these possibilities. At the same time, Turkey, with its overall aggressive rhetoric and the unthinkable expressions used by its government officials against Greece, is undermining the creation of a climate that would allow for constructive dialogue on the basis of International Law. I would hope that this will change. Regarding the Treaties of Lausanne and Paris, which Turkey invokes ad nauseam, claiming that Greece violates them, we have ensured that we maintain contacts with all parties to both treaties; precisely in order to put forward our positions. For example, Japan, which I visited in April, is a signatory to the Lausanne Treaty. Poland, which I visited a few days ago, is a signatory to the Paris Treaty. Our contacts do not happen by accident. They are part of a broader strategy. And I have to emphasize that our partners’ understanding is confirmed and their public positions now reflect the need for International Law, the European acquis and common sense to be applied. The most recent example is Germany’s stance, as well as that of Great Britain. I believe that it is precisely this alignment with positions that Turkey does not share, as well as the upgrading of our country’s role in the wider region over the last three years, that has irritated our neighbouring country. It would be beneficial for Turkey as well to realize that having a friendly and reliable neighbour who is not only a member of the same alliance, but also a member of the EU, is in its best interest. It should also realize that, just as we do not claim an inch of its territory, we demand the same from Turkey. Our difference can be settled within the framework of International Law and the International Law of the Sea.

JOURNALIST: Do you think it is possible that the EU will impose sanctions on Turkey, due to its attitude towards Russia, but also, as a second step, due to the situation in Greek-Turkish relations? Is the extension of territorial waters south and east of Crete on the table?

N. DENDIAS: With regard to Greek-Turkish relations, the European Council conclusions of March 2021, which referred to taking measures against Turkey in the event of a relapse, continue to apply. Both our country and the European institutions, including the Commission, which publishes a progress report on candidate countries every year, are closely monitoring Turkish conduct. As regards relations with Russia, it goes without saying that if Turkish companies have transactions with sanctioned Russian entities, this should be taken into consideration and the necessary measures should be taken. Turkey cannot be a bypass for Russian exports and imports of sanctioned goods or services. As for the extension of territorial waters south and east of Crete, which has been the subject of much debate, we have expressed our position multiple times. The extension of our territorial waters will take place when the government considers it to be in our national interest. Of course, the extension must be preceded by technical preparatory work, such as the drawing of straight baselines and the closing of bays, preparatory work which is nearing completion. This preparatory work, however, is not in itself a precursor to other developments. We have underscored that this preparatory work has started from Crete so that, whenever the government deems it appropriate -and I emphasize this- it will have the possibility of extending the territorial waters.

JOURNALIST: There’s a new Turkish-Libyan MoU on hydrocarbons. Has there been any negligence on the part of Athens? What did you discuss in Egypt regarding the developments in Libya?

N. DENDIAS: There was no “negligence” regarding the signing of the “memorandum”. We were well aware that Turkey was trying at every opportunity to “activate” the illegal, null and void “memorandum” of 2019. This possibility as well as the associated risk of further destabilization of Libya, and the wider region, was something we had firmly raised with our interlocutors including Egypt, France, Germany, the US and others. And of course, we had also raised it with our Libyan interlocutors. Let me remind you that the “memorandum” was condemned by the Libyan Parliament and the majority of the High Council within hours of its announcement. And of course, there was an immediate and resounding reaction from the EU, the USA, Egypt, Cyprus, followed by Germany, the UK, France, etc. This could not have happened if there was no preparation, and in fact long-term preparation,  with allies and partners on the Libyan issue. Furthermore, the “memorandum” signed with the Turkish side is contrary to the agreement of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, as the transitional government lacks the authority to enter into agreements that bind the country internationally. Our relations with Egypt are more than just strategic. They are vital for our country. It is no coincidence that I have visited Cairo 12 times in my three years as Minister of Foreign Affairs and that I meet my Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry at every opportunity. In Cairo we discussed how to further deepen our bilateral relations. There was a complete convergence of views on developments in Libya and it was decided to maintain coordination at all levels. Both sides also emphasized the significance of the agreement on the delimitation of the EEZ between Greece and Egypt, as well as our joint commitment to safeguard it.

JOURNALIST: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. What initiatives is Athens taking to address the challenges it faces due to the war? What do you anticipate will happen and what will Greece’s role be?

N. DENDIAS: First of all, I’d like to state that I plan to visit Kiev very soon, if conditions there allow it. This will be my third visit to Ukraine since the outbreak of war, as I have already visited Odessa twice. This visit stands to mark our full commitment to the principle of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and of all states in general. Greece upholds International Law as a fundamental principle. Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it maintains a principled stance. In this regard, we have condemned the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory by Russia. Our primary concern is the protection of the Greek community, much of which lives in areas under Russian occupation and thus inaccessible, at least at the present juncture. We hope to be able to offer our assistance to the Diaspora Greeks who are still living in Ukraine’s territory at the earliest possible opportunity. And, of course, we will continue to ask for justice to be delivered for any possible war crimes committed. Regarding the impact of the war, as you are aware, the Mitsotakis government, in collaboration with other European governments, has tabled a number of proposals concerning energy, which we expect to be discussed at the upcoming European Council. Finally, when it comes to the war outlook, unfortunately no one can make any safe predictions. In view of the upcoming “mud season”, the war has entered a new phase, that of the war of attrition, in which each side will continue with the aim of exhausting its opponent. What is particularly worrying, as we have unfortunately seen over the past week, is the shelling of civilian targets within cities as well as the immediate threat posed to the civilian population.

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