JOURNALIST: Minister, the completion of the Prespa Agreement is entering the final stretch. What will happen at the Greek Parliament?G. KATROUGALOS: As we are obligated under the Agreement itself, but primarily because we consider its provisions to be nationally beneficial, we will bring it to Parliament for ratification after the other side has completed its corresponding obligations. I have no doubt that it will be passed by an absolute majority, as I have confidence in the judgment and responsibility of Greek MPs. Furthermore, as you are well aware, there are MPs and political forces other than our own parliamentary group who have declared an initial positive view towards the Prespa Agreement. I am certain that they will not risk their political dignity being disparaged and will remain consistent in their views.JOURNALIST: What assurances can you provide for its full implementation without misinterpretations?G. KATROUGALOS: The agreement itself lays down important checks for its application. However, I believe the relevant provisions will never be activated. This is because the political leadership and citizens of our neighbouring country have realised that they stand only to gain from its faithful implementation, primarily in terms of improvement of our bilateral relations and, most importantly, our economic relations. Additionally, they are also fully aware that their country’s European prospect, which we support, also depend on the faithful compliance with the Agreement without misinterpretations.JOURNALIST: Some believe that A. Merkel's visit to Athens is related to these developments. Are they wrong?G. KATROUGALOS: The Chancellor has already visited our country during our time in government, as have the Presidents of the United States, France and Russia, as well as other political leaders and major figures of international politics. This is incontrovertible evidence of the upgraded international position our country enjoys as a direct result of our multidimensional and proactive foreign policy. Therefore, under no circumstances is her visit related to current political affairs. We develop our own foreign policy on the basis of our country's national interests.JOURNALIST: You recently attended important meetings in Washington in the framework of the US-Greece strategic dialogue commencing. Tell us about the cooperation schemes to be promoted...G. KATROUGALOS: We achieved this upgrade to our cooperation precisely because we proved that we are a reliable strategic partner, in the context of equal relations of mutual respect and with the common goal of enhancing security and stability in our region. In the context of the “strategic dialogue” with the U.S., apart from geopolitical issues relating to defence, counter-terrorism and security, we also held in-depth talks on energy, trade and investments, with emphasis on innovation and cutting-edge technology. Both sides wish not just to maintain but to further boost the momentum achieved by Thessaloniki International Fair. For this reason, the strategic dialogue will be held annually and in the meantime committees of the ministries involved will ensure the implementation of the agreements reached, obviously with the involvement of the private sector.JOURNALIST: Relations between our country and the U.S. have reached a very good point. Should we be expecting the Prime Minister to be visiting Washington once more in order to meet with the U.S. President?G. KATROUGALOS: This is something that took place and may take place again when both parties find it useful. It is another achievement resulting from our upgraded bilateral relations: it is not a goal to be achieved, but a result of the good level of cooperation.JOURNALIST: How is it that your government’s foreign policy can balance a good relationship of cooperation with the U.S.A. with an equally good relationship with RussiaG. KATROUGALOS: That is the essence of our multidimensional foreign policy. The EU is our political home, but we aim to serve as a bridge between the Union and other powers. We carry out multifaceted diplomatic initiatives at the multilateral and trilateral level, but none aimed against another country. Russia is a country with which we have traditionally had friendly relations and common historical and cultural traditions. We had a fleeting dark cloud in our traditionally good relations. Our response then was not due to differences in matters of foreign policy, but for reasons relating to the sovereignty of our country and good compliance with diplomatic rules. After all, short reckonings make long friends. But these are things that belong in the past. On 7 December, the leaders of the two countries discussed the substance of the steps for further improving relations between the two states, especially on the level of bilateral economic relations and contact between the two peoples. In fact, in April, the next meeting of the Joint Interministerial Committee will be held in Greece, while we agreed that the year 2019 would be dedicated to the culture and languages of both of our countries.JOURNALIST: Did the issue of Turkish provocativeness and its arms upgrades come up during your talks?G. KATROUGALOS: We always refer to Turkey's revisionist policy as an issue of respect for international legality, and never before have our views been so broadly accepted. The March meeting of the European Council saw the clearest ever condemnation of Turkish provocations in the Aegean and Cyprus as violations of International Law. And never before had there been statements similar to those of the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Wess Mitchell, that Turkey's view on the EEZ is “a minority of one”, or such a clear message to Ankara that any adventurism on its part will not remain unanswered.JOURNALIST: What progress has been made with the issue of Mr. Tsipras’ visit to Istanbul?G. KATROUGALOS: We want the visit to take place as soon as conditions allow, as we aim at enjoying friendly relations with all countries and especially neighbouring ones. This is, after all, proven by the fact that we are among the very few remaining EU member states supporting our neighbour’s European prospects, on the self-evident condition of its respect for European and international legality and good neighbourly relations.JOURNALIST: The changes to the Constitution unquestionably bear the stamp of Syriza. Do you believe that the process will continue, or could the preservation of Article 16 and non-revisable endanger the revision?G. KATROUGALOS: Revision requires consensus, which we pursued where possible and which - perhaps - has the greatest importance, such as abolishing the unacceptable system of immunity for Ministers and political staff in general. However, there can be no consensus where we are separated by deep political and ideological differences. Furthermore, the revision process cannot be subject to political extortion, such as the one promoted by the extreme wing of New Democracy, threatening to walk out if we do not vote for the change to Article 16, with which we absolutely disagree. Therefore, the outcome of the revision will show which political power is in favour of major patriotic and democratic reforms. Unfortunately, this is yet another area where New Democracy seems to wish to kick the can down the road. Fortunately for the Greek people, Syriza and the other responsible political forces will not allow New Democracy to play the divisive role it has chosen. Personally, I hope that, even at the last minute, the very few remaining moderate and reasonable voices, such as that of its General Rapporteur, will prevail within the party, but I am not particularly optimistic.
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