The Greek-Turkish relations, the war in Ukraine, the Tempe accident, the economic corridor of India – Middle East – Europe, the crisis in the Red Sea, the war in Gaza, were the main topics of the interview after all the material provided by the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis in the newspaper “Ta Nea – Savvatokyriako”.
“We have to make a basic choice: if we will continue, as was the case in the past, to be in a state of permanent over-tension in our relationship with Turkey, or if we will discuss soberly and in a deliberative spirit, so as to seek compositions and not allow any disagreement to be reduced to a crisis”, states the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis, in his interview.
“We must all face this dilemma responsibly and without excuses. Because it concerns the peace and well-being of our country for the present and the future”, he emphasizes.
Confidence and prudence in Greek-Turkish
“Self-confidence, as well as prudence and a correct understanding of the facts, are necessary characteristics in a dialogue with complex characteristics and historical burdens”, adds Mr. Gerapetritis.
He mentions that in this spirit, Greece will come to the next steps of the strict schedule regarding the political dialogue on March 11, the confidence building measures on April 11, the positive agenda on April 15 and, of course, the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara in May.
“I do not think that from one moment to the next it is possible to resolve chronic issues. And, of course, I understand that the two countries maintain their basic underlying positions, a fact, after all, that was expressly recorded in the Declaration of Athens. This does not prevent a milder rhetoric in principle and fewer sources of tension,” the Greek Foreign Minister estimates.
The era of great challenges
Referring to the multiple electoral contests of 2024, Mr. Gerapetritis notes that “we live in the era of multiple divergences and great challenges”.
“In terms of divergences, intersections are sought between North-South and East-West, with more centrifugal than centripetal forces. As for the challenges, the pervasive nature of the crises – climate, food, health – calls for universal solutions that transcend borders and time horizons”.
As he emphasizes, “in such a complex globalized environment, a functioning democracy must be coherent and inclusive, forward-looking and extroverted.”
Critical election year in 2024
“It has become painfully clear that democracies are vulnerable to the bacillus of populism and demagoguery. But the price in these cases can be heavy and produce a multiplier effect for individuals, communities and countries.”
“We cannot realistically expect, especially in a year when half of the world’s population goes to the polls, that developments will be linear,” he says.
“It is the duty of a composed foreign policy to process all possible scenarios and to carry out a prospective investigation, so as to be able to manage any asymmetry. And that’s what we do. With seriousness, professionalism and healthy patriotism”
“There is no question of sending troops to Ukraine”
“Since the first day of the illegal Russian invasion, Greece has stood in solidarity with Ukraine and its struggle to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” notes Mr Gerapetritis.
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs reports, in Paris ways of strengthening aid to Kiev were considered, but he emphasizes that “for Greece, the issue of sending troops does not exist”.
The safety of Erythra is important
Referring to the Red Sea, Mr. Gerapetritis states that maintaining safety at sea is of major importance, as it concerns the lives of sailors, Greek shipping, the global economy, the supply chain and international energy and food security.
“It represents a challenge that no country is able to face alone but requires multi-level international cooperation,” he points out and adds: “Especially in the Red Sea, Greece has a strong presence both in terms of personnel and operations. When you’re a leading force in a field, like we are in global shipping, you can’t hide but come forward.”
The situation in Gaza is critical
When asked about the situation in Gaza, Mr. Gerapetritis characterizes it as “extremely critical” and points out that “any operation in Rafah, due to the particular geographical and population conditions, entails serious humanitarian risks”.
“It is imperative to immediately stop the hostilities and ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid”, he says and adds that parallel diplomatic efforts for peace in the region are currently underway.
“It is important that these efforts are combined so that there is sustainable peace. Greece is one of the few countries that talks to all sides and for this reason we can play an essential constructive role”.
New Delhi – Athens
Referring to the recent trip of the Prime Minister and himself to India, he notes that Greece wishes, through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), to act as its gateway to the European market.
“We are the closest European state to India, the country with the longest coastline in Europe and the strongest merchant fleet. The economic corridor promotes connectivity, international trade and regional and energy cooperation, with obvious economic benefits for our country. For this purpose, we are also in contact with the countries passing through the Corridor, in order to build synergies for the development of the necessary infrastructure.”
As he points out, “we do not overlook the problems that arose with the war in Gaza and its serious pervasive consequences. However, the destabilizing effects cannot invalidate the strong rationale behind the economic corridor. It is a visionary plan that transcends trade, communications and energy. It can develop into a vehicle for peace and the interaction of cultures, in which Greece naturally has an important role to play.”
The black page of Tempe
When asked about the accident in Tempe, he characterized it as an “unspeakable national tragedy. No one can feel the pain of people who lost their loved ones in such a tragic way.”
“The judicial investigation of the case, which is proceeding at a rapid pace, is only a part of the cleanup obligation,” he emphasizes.
“In addition, the railway infrastructure should be adequately maintained and constantly upgraded, security measures should be strengthened and the services should be staffed with competent human resources.”
“A diligent effort is indeed being made by the competent bodies, despite the preceding adverse conditions, such as the disastrous floods that hit Thessaly last autumn. The black page of Tempe should haunt us all and remind us of our responsibility. So that we never again mourn a human life on the Greek railway”, he concludes.
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