JOURNALIST: Diplomatic activity in Greek-Turkish relations saw a sudden, intense spike in rate and level. What does the government expect from the talks with the Turkish side? Do you see any room for a consensual solution?M. VARVITSIOTIS: This is an opportunity to remind you that Greece has always been in favour of dialogue with Turkey, with absolute respect for International Law and the principles of good neighbourly relations. Ankara was forced to come to the table after a long period of unilateral, provocative actions that led to its international isolation. After a period of tension, it is important to have a channel of communication — provided Ankara abstains both verbally and in practice from provocative statements and actions. It must prove this demonstrably and exhibit candour during these talks, as well as in view of the upcoming meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Turkey in Istanbul. I will reiterate that Greece acknowledges but a single dispute with Turkey: the delimitation of maritime zones. If no common ground is reached, then, as the Prime Minister has stated, there is the option of seeking recourse with the International Court of Justice in The Hague.JOURNALIST: You have just returned from Paris and on Thursday you will be accompanying the Prime Minister to the Summit Meeting in Brussels. Is the European Union prepared to take the next step and present specific sanctions regarding Turkey?M. VARVITSIOTIS: My talks in Paris with my counterpart, Clément Beaune, confirmed the excellent relations between France and Greece, historical and strategic relations that reinforce the “Greece - France - Alliance” doctrine. Greece and France will be sitting at the same table at the Summit on EU-Turkish relations, which Greece has succeeded in bringing to the very centre of European Council meetings. Moreover, Turkey's isolation in the recent past, combined with the threat of sanctions, are the key parameters that brought Turkey to the discussion table. Greece has informed the institutions of the violations carried out by Turkey in a number of areas of the European acquis, and we expect the committee’s report to include the prospect of specific measures.JOURNALIST: The Migration and Asylum Pact, as presented to date, does not satisfy Greece’s positions. Do you see room for improvement, in order for the burdens in terms of the refugee-migrant issue to be more fairly allocated within the European Union?M. VARVITSIOTIS: Nothing will be agreed upon until everything has been agreed upon. Greece is an active participant in the talks on the new Migration and Asylum Pact, and we look forward to a fair and viable agreement being reached, so that Europe establishes an integrated migration policy that will address all aspects of the issue, from the guarding of external borders to shared responsibility for the returns of those not entitled to asylum. Greece disagrees with employing “salami tactics” to address the migration issue. We are in favour of a package-solution. Greece is in talks with other first-reception countries in the Mediterranean basin, and we are trying to attract countries with a holistic approach, such as France. We believe that the new Migration and Asylum Pact must be governed by the necessary balance between responsibility and solidarity.JOURNALIST: Which “tools” does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have at its disposal to attract capital and investors to our country? How would you rate their performance to date?M. VARVITSIOTIS: From the first day of taking office and throughout the pandemic, we at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been modernising the institutional framework for visas, aiming at attracting investors, students and capital from third countries. In this context, we have already instituted the Business visa, the Student Visa and will soon be creating the so-called Digital Visa, through which our country will become an attractive destination for so-called “Digital Nomads”, high-tech people who will choose to establish themselves professionally in Greece.JOURNALIST: What benefit will the European vaccination certificate have, and how do you respond to SYRIZA's criticism?M. VARVITSIOTIS: The adoption of the Greek Prime Minister's proposal for a European Vaccination Certificate, otherwise known as a Digital Green Certificate to facilitate free movement within the EU, is of exceptional European and national importance. Due to its high dependence on tourism, Greece expects to reap significant benefits from this move, and we expect to achieve at least double the tourist arrivals this summer period in comparison to 2020. However, it is important for the rate of vaccinations in the EU to increase in order for economic activity to recommence safely. As regards SYRIZA, the party is engaging in irresponsible opposition and clearly does not wish to accept the reality of the matter: that is, that the Mitsotakis government is playing a leading role. Greece is not following European developments — it is shaping them!
 |
| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.mfa.gr |
