JOURNALIST: What are the first messages from the exploratory talks that were launched? Is de-escalation being achieved? N. DENDIAS: Allow me to begin with a particularly important clarification. This is not a launch of exploratory talks, but a relaunch. The 61st round took place last Monday. It is a fact that these talks had been discontinued for almost five years. During this meeting, we picked up the thread from where we had left it. After all, Greece had set a criterion for these talks from the very outset: de-escalation over time and abstention from provocative actions. There were, of course, isolated incidents. However, generally speaking, there was a relative calm on the ground, which allowed us firstly to accept the invitation extended by the Turkish side and then to agree on a new round to be held in Athens in the near future. However, I would like to remind you that de-escalation has to be continuous. This point is, in fact, included in the Conclusions of the European Council of this past December. JOURNALIST: To what extent are results expected to be achieved? N. DENDIAS: We should clarify that these talks are not negotiations and do not have a specific ending date. The question is whether points of convergence for possible negotiations on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, on the basis of International Law, will be identified. These talks began 19 years ago. Therefore, it is difficult to say how long they'll last. However, I would like to stress that present-day Greece, fortified in terms of diplomacy and defence through specific actions taken by the Mitsotakis government, has no reason to fear dialogue conducted on the basis of International Law. We are approaching the table with self-confidence, as everyone knows our country can defend its national interests. JOURNALIST: The exploratory talks have been “linked” to the March Summit. Have we left the drafting of a list of sanctions behind us? N. DENDIAS: While this link is raised frequently in public discourse, it is not accurate and I am glad for the opportunity to clarify the matter. The exploratory talks have not been linked to the European Council to be held in March. The conclusions of the European Council held in December are clear. The High Representative, Mr Borrell, and the EU will be submitting a report on EU-Turkish relations as a whole, which will contain proposals, perhaps negative or even positive, depending on Turkey's behaviour. However, it should be made clear — and I must stress this again — the March European Council meeting is not the only time horizon for the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Turkey. In other words, Turkey's exhibiting good “conduct” only until then will not suffice for things to remain as they are. Such an approach would be self-defeating. New restrictive measures must continue to exist as a possibility. Our purpose is not to punish Turkey. What we want is for Turkey to behave like a modern state that respects the rules of peaceful co-existence between neighbouring states, as well as International Law. In this context, if Turkey abstains from new provocations and satisfies certain fundamental criteria set for all candidate states that wish to accede to the European Union, Greece will have every reason to continue supporting its European prospects. Ultimately, it is up to Turkey to seize the opportunity it is being given and to bring the issue of its European integration to the foreground anew. We must also not forget that a large section of Turkish society is always looking to Europe. It is this section that we must encourage. JOURNALIST: You had stated that, after the Ionian Sea, our territorial waters will continue to be extended south and east of Crete. When are the next steps scheduled to take place? What is your response to the statements made by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding the Aegean Sea? N. DENDIAS: As a jurist, I always choose my words with care. It is one thing to speak of areas east of Crete, and a different thing altogether to speak of the eastern part of Crete, which is what I referred to in Parliament. In any case, what we, i.e. both Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and myself, have stressed repeatedly is that Greece has the inalienable right to extend its territorial waters anywhere in the country and at any time it deems expedient. Of course, in order for any extension to take place, relevant technical elaboration needs have taken place beforehand, such as the study for drawing straight baselines and closing bays, as well as the issuance of the relevant Presidential Decrees. With respect to the casus belli reiterated by the Turkish side, permit me two observations. Firstly, my Turkish counterpart repeated his country's long-standing positions, which have been repeated ad nauseam for the last 25 years. This comes as no surprise. However, I must underline that it is unacceptable, in the 21st century, for Turkey to continue thinking and expressing itself in terms of gunboat diplomacy, in breach of the fundamental rules of international conduct laid down in the UN Charter. I emphatically raise this issue, which certain European capitals apparently wish to keep overlooking, during all my meetings, e.g. in Brussels, earlier last week, with European officials and the Secretary General of NATO. This brings me no pleasure — far from it. However, I am obligated to do so. After all, this concerns the exercise of a right by Greece that is part of the European acquis. I would also remind you that the EU itself has ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and, therefore, the sovereign right to extend territorial waters to 12 miles. JOURNALIST: There is a new administration in the USA. Do you expect a revision of their policy? How will this affect relations with Turkey, as well as Washington's policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, given that the USA wants to keep Ankara as part of the West? N. DENDIAS: It is too early to make accurate predictions of the new US government’s moves regarding its relations with Turkey. On one hand, as you correctly observed, the USA wishes to keep Turkey “hitched” to the West, mainly through NATO. This was also the policy followed by the Obama administration, several members of which have been reinstated in key positions, particularly at the State Department. However, there is an important parameter to note: Turkey has changed significantly in recent years, as have US-Turkish relations. I would also remind you that, according to recent surveys in Turkey, Turkish public opinion considers the USA the greatest threat to the country. The first indications of the new US administration show that there will be no carte blanche. I am referring, in particular, to the statement made by the new US Secretary of State that, if necessary, further sanctions will be imposed regarding the S-400s. At the same time, we have noted his particularly strong statement on human rights. However, no one is harbouring delusions. Even present-day Turkey is a difficult yet important ally for the USA. JOURNALIST: We are seeing cooperation initiatives stretching from India to the Arab world. What are the next moves on your agenda? N. DENDIAS: As you are well aware, our relations with the Arab countries, as well as Israel, have developed greatly in recent months. I would note the cooperation agreement on common foreign policy and defence signed with the United Arab Emirates, as well as the impending agreement with Saudi Arabia on defence cooperation. Next week I will be visiting Israel once again, while the week after that we have scheduled an enlarged meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs with the participation of Cyprus and Middle Eastern countries (Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia). You also referred to India. I believe that we were wrong to have neglected our relations with this country for decades. India is the largest democracy in the world. It has the largest Muslim population after Indonesia. It is also a rising political and economic powerhouse, as well as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. Taking into account the political geography of the region and Turkey's influence on certain states, it is a fact that our views and those of India are aligned on numerous issues of international interest. Unfortunately, the last meeting between our two countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs took place in 2003. Last October, I attended a video conference with my Indian counterpart and we agreed to meet as soon as possible, once health conditions allow, either in Athens or in New Delhi. While Greece is committed to cultivating relations with its traditional partners and allies, this does not mean that we shouldn't be broadening our horizons and searching for new partners. Of course, our relations with Russia, a great power with traditional ties to Greece, are also important to us. The Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Grushko, visited Greece two days ago, following the visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Lavrov, a few months ago.
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