Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ interview with “To Vima tis Kyriakis” newspaper and journalist Alexandra Fotaki – main points (23.04.2023)

JOURNALIST: Starting with Greek-Turkish relations and the “hint” that you dropped regarding the procedure of exploratory contacts. What exactly did you mean?

N. DENDIAS: Ms. Fotaki, I did not drop a “hint”. I just took stock of the process of the exploratory contacts, based on my experience during the past nearly four years as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Therefore, we have a process that has been ongoing for 21 years, 64 rounds of exploratory contacts have been held without, admittedly, any substantial result, except perhaps the maintenance of a channel of communication. And it would perhaps be naive to believe that the outcome will be achieved in the 65th or 70th round. To be clear: I do not suggest, in any way, a change in the firm Greek positions. I state that there is a need to reconsider certain parameters of the process and I have specific thoughts and proposals on this. So, I intend to compile them in a note addressed to the Prime Minister and the next Minister of Foreign Affairs, if I am succeeded in that position by someone else.

JOURNALIST: Will Turkish elections play a role in the initiatives for settlements or is Turkish foreign policy stable? Moves such as supporting Turkey’s candidacy to the IMO may prove “dangerous” for the Republic of Cyprus for example?

N. DENDIAS: We have no illusions that Turkey will overnight abandon the set of positions and claims against Greece, which it has been following for decades, regardless of changes of government. At the same time, however, it is significant to maintain the good climate that has recently prevailed in our relations, and which was not at all self-evident a few months ago. Therefore, I believe that today’s positive atmosphere is a good starting point to engage in a serious and sincere dialogue, after the elections, when both countries will have governments with a new popular mandate. As a country that seeks dialogue and peaceful solutions on the basis of International Law, we must seize every opportunity in this direction.  And, of course, we should always take into account that any improvement in the climate in Greek-Turkish relations could only have a positive impact on efforts for the settlement of the Cyprus issue.

JOURNALIST: Is this the time for an agreement leading to The Hague ICJ? Is there a Greek political party to bear the burden of a compromise?

N. DENDIAS: Ms. Fotaki, we do not perceive our country’s international relations as an “oriental bargaining”, in which illegal agreements and practices are equated with legal rights. We seek to achieve a peaceful resolution of the sole dispute we have with Turkey- which concerns the delimitation of the continental shelf and the EEZ- always based on International Law and the International Law of the Sea. A settlement that will contribute to peace and stability in the wider region, precisely because it will be based on these solid foundations. And to answer the last part of your question, I am deeply convinced that almost all Greek political forces are ready to bear the burden of supporting such an effort.

JOURNALIST: Regarding Sudan. What is happening to the Greeks in the country? And how do you respond to SYRIZA’s allegations about the export of the Predator software?

N. DENDIAS: The situation in Sudan the situation is difficult and seems to last quite a long time. The international community is undertaking efforts to enable a ceasefire. For us, getting our compatriots, residing in Sudan, out of there safely in a possible evacuation operation with the rest of the foreign nationals is the crucial and urgent issue, and that is what we are working on. From the very first moment that the clashes broke out, the Crisis Management Unit was activated to coordinate efforts together with the other EU Member States. It goes without saying that we remain in constant contact with the Metropolitan Savvas of Nubia, and with our Embassy in Cairo, but also with the International Red Cross, so that every possible assistance can be provided to the stranded people when conditions allow.
As for the rest, there is a process under way, and I am not allowed to comment.

JOURNALIST: As Minister of Foreign Affairs, you advocated an “out of the box” foreign policy. Is the Security Council an opportunity?

N. DENDIAS: The Security Council is the guardian, if you like, of the principles of the UN Charter and of International Law. Apart from their symbolic value, our election to it for the 2025-26 term, as well as our candidacy for the Human Rights Council (2028-30) and the UN General Assembly Presidency for 2035, reflect the confidence and self-assurance that our country’s foreign policy has gained through a cycle of solid understandings, which have been forged in recent years.

At the same time, it also highlights the imperative need to further broaden the horizons of our foreign policy, which is something I have been actively involved in throughout my tenure, despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic. The visits to a number of countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America and the Agreements concluded with them are a good legacy for the continuation of this course,  even in a period of upheaval in international relations.

Allow me to emphasize three advantages that Greece has that can be exploited even further: It has a brand name due to its history, it has no colonial past, and there are Greek communities all over the world. It can thus mobilize forces to play an active role in initiatives in a number of areas, such as climate, development structures or the protection of World Heritage Sites.