JOURNALIST: What margins for manoeuvring and negotiation do you have as Foreign Minister on the international stage, given the fiscal crisis here in Greece?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: The fiscal crisis did in fact make the exercising of foreign policy more difficult. It perceptibly limited the means at our disposal. However, our strategy on the major issues of Greek diplomacy remains constant. After quite some time, Greece is returning with initiatives, a presence, a say, and standing on the international stage, and we are making our mark on major issues concerning Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Our diplomatic reserves continue to be strong. So our goal is to point up our stabilizing and stable role in our wider geopolitical environment. At the same time, the Foreign ministry is implementing a large-scale programme, together with the co-competent ministries, to accelerate the development initiatives we are promoting.
JOURNALIST: Where do our bilateral relations with Turkey and FYROM stand?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: We have opened new channels of communication, but we stand firm on our fundamental and non-negotiable national positions on all the issues concerning security and integrity, and our cultural and historical identity. Greece is strong, despite the crisis, and our policy pursues peace and stability. In contrast with other countries, we do not develop policies of hostility; our policies are not governed by chauvinistic outlooks. The past years have led us to move without fear syndromes and insecurities. And this is the new element that governs our initiatives.
Regarding the FYROM name issue, we are moving forward with positive and aggressive diplomacy. Athens has regained the initiative. We have submitted a proposal for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that is aimed an giving momentum to the process at the UN. Through tangible proposals and frequent meetings, we are pressuring for a solution that respects the history and culture of each country, and that leaves no room for nationalism.
JOURNALIST: Aren’t a dialogue with Ankara and trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Israel conflicting goals?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: Quite the contrary. They confirm our role as a dynamic player in the wider region. We are moving ahead to substantial deepening of our relations with Egypt; closer cooperation with Israel; development of initiatives in the energy sector that do not exclude potential partners; clear relations with Turkey; unwavering support for the Republic of Cyprus. Greece does not exclude anyone. Our country’s vote at the UN for upgrading Palestine’s status is aimed at this objective: promotion of the resolution of the Palestinian issue based on two states that will live side by side in conditions of peace and security.
JOURNALIST: The incident with the Berisha statement led you to cancel your trip to Tirana. What is your assessment of the incident?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: The statements were unacceptable. I decided to cancel my visit after first requesting a retraction, which eventually came, but belatedly. Statements like these take the region back to a bad past. We want friendly relations. Good neighbourly relations. And we will continue to take initiatives in that direction. But on issues of national dignity and integrity, we have stark red lines. Tirana got this message loud and clear. And it is very significant that the European Commission issued a stern warning to Albania.
JOURNALIST: Your are the Foreign Minister of a three-party government. Given that foreign policy has always been a source of friction, how do you see your freedom to act?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: The course of the government so far has answered in the affirmative as to whether the country can tolerate coalition governments. From the very outset of my political career, I have been in favor or understanding. Today I am responsible for the policy sector that requires and demands the greatest possible consensus, not just among government partners, but among all the democratic political parties. With the government partners, there is concord on the exercising of foreign policy.
JOURNALIST: Is the Foreign Minister sheltered from the inevitable damage suffered by the rest of the government as it implements a tough, but necessary, economic policy?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: Not at all. International issues are, as a matter of priority, the focus of interest of both the news media and public opinion. And as I have impressed on everyone, Greece’s credibility on the international stage – its political and economic credibility – is directly linked to fiscal health and stability, which are the prerequisites for growth. After all, recovery presupposes international contacts, conviction, the creation of networks, management of problems that arise in our neighbourhood, which, as we said, is not easy.
JOURNALIST: How is the prosecution investigation into the Foreign Ministry’s secret funds proceeding?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: This issue is being handled by the Judiciary, which has the full cooperation of the Foreign Ministry. There should be no shadows whatsoever at such a key ministry. That is why we are helping the investigation substantially and – most importantly – we have introduced a new standard for vetting, so that we can put a rest to the questions over this very sensitive and subtle issue, which has to do with the core of the operation of our state and serves sensitive aspects of our national strategy.
JOURNALIST: What do you have to say about the scenarios concerning the re-founding of New Democracy?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: New Democracy has the basic responsibility for governing the country. The experience and knowledge it has gained throughout the years help it to exercise its policy, which is aimed at nothing other than saving the homeland. As a party, New Democracy is open to the democratic currents of Greek society and to citizens. It is the body of our civil parliamentary democracy, and it renews itself as it evolves. In other words, adaptation to new states of affairs that are created is in the party’s very nature.