Mr. G. Koumoutsakos : Good morning. After our briefing, as we said in a relevant Information Department announcement yesterday, the Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Valinakis, will hold a briefing on the documents issued yesterday by the European Commission regarding Turkey's European course and the aspirations of our neighbouring country, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, to become a member of the EU.

I'll move on to our briefing now. To start with, I would like to say that we condemn in the most categorical manner the odious and cowardly terrorist attacks that caused the death and injury of so many innocent citizens in Amman, Jordan.

As you perhaps know, the Security Council is to hold an emergency meeting tomorrow, at which it is expected to adopt a Presidency statement condemning the attacks.

Regarding the programme of work for the Security Council, as usual, a relevant information handout will be distributed to you. I would like to note just two points: in the coming days - we don't have an exact date - the Security Council is to hold a public meeting on Bosnia-Herzegovina issues, during which High Representative Lord Ashdown will present his report on the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the course of the implementation of the 1996 Peace Agreement, in implementation, of course, of Security Council Resolution 1575, which was passed in 2004.

On November 16, there are to be closed consultations, during which Greece, as the Chairman of the Sanctions Committee on Sudan, will brief the Security Council on the progress of the implementation of the sanctions, as part of the regular, quarterly report of the Team of Experts. That's it on the activities of the Security Council.

The Minister's programme for the coming days is as follows: He departs tomorrow for Bahrain - from where he will return on Saturday - to take part, representing our country, in the 'Forum for the Future', which is a G-8 initiative in which other countries are participating.

A few words on this. The 'Forum for the Future', as it is called, was created within the framework of 'Partnership Relations for the Wider Middle East', which was inaugurated at the G-8 Summit Meeting in June 2004, in answer to the expressed desire of the countries of the wider Middle East for political, economic and social reform.

The first Forum was held in Morocco, in December 2004, while the second Forum will take place on November 11-12, in Bahrain, where Greece will participate, represented by Foreign Minister Mr. Petros Molyviatis.

On the margins of the proceedings of this particular Forum, the 'Foundation for the Future' is to be created and, fully independent of the first Forum, will focus its activities on the supporting and funding of reforms in the region.

NGOs and civil society will play a central role in the 'Foundation for the Future', as they do in other, similar initiatives. Greece will participate in the 'Foundation for the Future', but will not participate in a fund - 'Fund for the Future' - being set up to support SMEs in the region. The 'Fund for the Future' is also to be established on the margins of the 'Forum for the Future'.

On Tuesday, November 15, the Foreign Minister will travel to London to participate in a farewell dinner in honour of the outgoing German Foreign Minister, Mr. Fischer. This dinner is being organized by Mr. Straw.

Regarding the programmes of the activities of the Deputy Foreign Ministers: Mr. Valinakis will represent our country at the Ministerial Meeting of the Council of Europe, which will take place in Strasbourg on November 16-17, following a decision of the Warsaw Summit Meeting. The proceedings of the Meeting are to focus on:

1. The strengthening of the Council of Europe's system for the protection of human rights,
2. The strengthening of the Council of Europe's activities concerning the promotion of democracy,
3. The building of a more anthropocentric Europe,
4. The strengthening of cooperation between the Council of Europe, the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

On the eve of the opening of the proceedings of the Ministerial Meeting, Mr. Valinakis will participate in the regular informal meeting of Ministers, at which the central speaker will be the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Mr. Juncker.

Mr. Stylianidis is accompanying the Prime Minister on his state visit to Japan. Mr. Skandalakis is continuing his tour of Greek communities in the U.S.

That's it for announcements. I am at your disposal for questions.

Journalist: In Bahrain, meetings have been scheduled for Mr. Gul with his British and American counterparts. Is there anything similar for the Greek Minister?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: In the sense of meetings that have already been scheduled, no. But on the margins of the proceedings it is very likely that Mr. Molyviatis will have brief meetings with his counterparts.

Journalist: Is there any comment on the gathering of 'grey wolves' outside the Patriarchate today?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I don't have any particular comment. We have repeatedly stated our position on such events. I don't think we will add anything to what we have said from time to time. These are events held by extremist elements that in our assessment do not help the general picture and the efforts - sincere efforts, we believe - being made by the Turkish government to proceed with certain steps toward the strengthening of its European course and perspective.

Journalist: In his book, the former Prime Minister reveals the precise content of the exploratory contacts that are still continuing today between Greece and Turkey. He mentions, that is, among other things, that the issues discussed are the continental shelf, the extent of territorial waters - which he suggests might be fluctuating - and, according to what he says, he considers the "grey zones" in the Aegean to be a major issue in the exploratory contacts. He concludes by saying that if an electoral change had not taken place in 2004, it would have been a matter of months before a mutually acceptable solution was reached with Turkey.

As the content of the exploratory talks has now been revealed, and I don't think the government can any longer say that it will not discuss them, I would like you to brief us on where these exploratory contacts stand at this time, and, mainly, what precisely is being discussed by the Greek government and the Foreign Ministry regarding the "grey zones", and what stage has been reached, given that the former Prime Minister said that it was perhaps a matter of months before an agreement was reached.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: You will perceive that commentary on the contents of this particular book is outside the area of my competency. Regarding your specific question on the Foreign Ministry's moves since March 2004, I must tell you that when Mr. Molyviatis assumed the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, he also took on a commitment that characterizes the whole process of the exploratory contacts. That is, the commitment regarding confidentiality. This commitment has been kept officially by both sides. Within the framework of this commitment, I will make no reference to the content of the exploratory contacts.

You also mentioned the issue of time and the assessment in Mr. Simitis's book to the effect that they would conclude within a certain period of time. Once again, I stress that I will not comment on these assessments that have been published - I just want to refer to the reality of which you and I are aware. That is, that these talks have been continuing for almost two years since Mr. Molyviatis became the Foreign Minister - two years after the March elections. We are at the 31st round of contacts.

Regarding your first question, suffice it to say that you are well aware that an effort was made last December - an effort that in our view succeeded, and that is what is shown by the documents - to limit the reference to border disputes that existed in the Helsinki document, with the omission of the phrase "and related issues".

Journalist: Confidentiality aside, is the government discussing with Turkey at this time issues regarding "grey zones"? Yes or no?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I will stick with my initial answer in all its breadth, from the first to the last point I mentioned.

Journalist: So you are insinuating that the government is at this time also discussing "grey zones'.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: That is your interpretation of my initial answer, which, I say again, must be read in its entirety, from the first line to the last.

Journalist: Since when are delimitation disputes border disputes in International Law? Can you please explain that to me?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The texts and agreed-upon wording have been in force since 1999 in the European documents.

Journalist: I'm not asking who is responsible. I'm not asking whether PASOK and Mr. Simitis are responsible for 1999, who put in border disputes - I want to ask whether you consider the delimitation dispute - that of the continental shelf - a border dispute . . .

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I refer to facts, and I don't make assessments or assign blame. The facts are that there is a specific terminology that has been repeated in European documents since this has been described, and it is referred to in specific terms. And I also referred to the fact that regarding the reference - the amendment, if you will - to disputes and "related issues", an effort was made - and this was a conscious choice on the part of the government - to omit it. And that was what happened.

Journalist: What the government seeks on the level of the European Union and the phrasing that was used in the negotiating framework with Turkey, which is a European issue, is one thing, and the completely bilateral contacts that have been going on for five years is another - we never know anything, the former Prime Minister reveals the agenda; we're burying our heads in the sand. What confidentiality? I don't understand. Either this is the agenda of the talks, or it isn't.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The issue of whether the confidentiality that has characterized these talks in recent years is lifted or not, is an issue that resides with the governments of this country and the governments on the other side of the Aegean.

Officially, this principle has been respected by both governments up until now. You refer - and rightly so, to a degree - to what is said in the former Prime Minister's book, but that does not concern the Greek government. This is an issue that will have to be looked into beyond the official briefing provided by the Foreign Ministry and the Greek government. The government undertook a specific commitment, which it honours, as does the other side. Officially, we must honour the principle of confidentiality regarding these particular talks.

You also mentioned the issue of the content, referring specifically to what happened last December with regard to the deletion of the term "related issues". I mentioned this as a fact, and also as a clear indication of a specific view which governs the stance of the Foreign Ministry on the specific issue. Such efforts stem from a particular political view.

Journalist: Mr. Spokesman, New Democracy, when it was the opposition party, requested to be briefed and criticized the then government for not giving information to the other parties and to the Council on Foreign Policy and the competent Parliamentary Committee.

Moreover, when these talks started, the official stance was that they concerned exclusively the delimitation of the continental shelf and that Greece did not acknowledge any kind of territorial claims - that is, border disputes. Here we have the Prime Minister who started these talks saying that Turkey's territorial claims were on the agenda, and you are saying that the confidentiality clause covers not only what is said in the negotiations - which one could understand - but also what the subject of the negotiations is. Shouldn't the Greek people know what is being discussed with Turkey?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I understand your question. I have given my answer. Regarding the content or other statements or information regarding the stance of the Greek government, I would refer you to the recent debate in Parliament, where the Prime Minister took an absolutely clear position on these issues.

Journalist: Can you make an explicit and categorical public statement to the effect that the exploratory contacts do not concern or touch upon the "grey zones", or the right to extend territorial waters to 12 nautical miles?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I told you - and I would ask you to please respect this - there is a very subtle point that concerns the confidentiality of the talks in their entirety. This is binding for the Greek side, and continues to be binding. Beyond that, the Greek position on the so-called "grey zones" is well known to you. It is consistent and unchanging. On this issue - and I think what I propose would be very useful - you should refer to the speech made by the Prime Minister during the recent parliamentary debate.

Journalist: Allow me to request a clarification. The essence of the question is not what the Greek position on the "grey zones" is, or whether it has changed or remains the same. The question is whether the issue of "grey zones" is included in the agenda of the exploratory talks. Whether we have agreed to discuss such a chapter, given the Greek position.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I understand your question perfectly, and I understood it when it was asked the first time. I think that you, too, can see the boundaries within which I can answer. Confidentiality concerns not only the negotiating positions of the two sides or the course of the discussions, which have been characterized as exploratory contacts, but the talks as a whole. Thus, that includes their content.

Journalist: Why did you accept it?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Because it was accepted as a continuation of a process that had already started.

Journalist: Mr. Spokesman, I would like to pose this very simple question, which has two parts: We read only yesterday a news report that Turkey designated areas of the Aegean for exercises. My question is this: first, whether the Foreign Ministry requested an explanation from the competent Greek authorities (see Civil Aviation Authority) concerning the confusion or the stance they took so that Turkey proceeded to this designation. Second, what you have to say regarding this act on the part of Turkey, at the particular points where it ties up these particular areas.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The question you are raising has technical aspects.

Journalist: Did you ask for an explanation from the Civil Aviation Authority as to why it did not follow the appropriate procedures? Simple stuff.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I am very sorry that I do not have a specific answer to give you at this time, and it is my mistake, because although I have the relevant information at my office, unfortunately I do not have it with me at this time. I'll give you an answer. I'll get back to you right after our meeting.

Journalist: Yesterday, we had two documents from the European Commission that concerned Turkey's accession process and the accession perspective of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Foreign Ministry assessment was that these were satisfactory, but at the same time, the Prime Minister of fYROM is celebrating. The question is how it is possible for two opponents to celebrate the same result, unless one of the two has not understood what has happened.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: You can see that the assessments made of these developments belong totally to the sides making the assessments - what comes first or second in the hierarchy for each side.

We, based on our own aspirations and objectives made our assessment, a description of which is available in the announcement we issued yesterday, and you will receive a fuller briefing from Mr. Valinakis in a short while. We consider that we have achieved what we wanted to achieve.

Journalist: I wanted to ask you if you can repeat for us Greece's precise position regarding the accession course of fYROM.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I will try to repeat the crystal clear position expressed on this issue by the Prime Minister in Parliament about ten days ago.

The position is this: The European course of our neighbouring country, which Greece supports as part of a wider strategy, may proceed within the framework of two cases; either if and when there is a mutually accepted solution on the name issue, or - in the case of an absence of such a solution - under the name that has been recognized by the relevant decisions of the UN - that is, "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". There is no other possibility or option.

Journalist: Mr. Papandreou made an eight-point proposal regarding the Skopje issue, where there is a clear differentiation. He says that fYROM's accession to NATO or the EU is not possible unless there is a mutually acceptable solution. Essentially, that is, he does not accept the position of the government that fYROM's accession is acceptable under the name fYROM, the interim agreement. I want your comment on that, and whether and how you assess this position of the leader of the opposition party.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: You can understand that I do not comment on positions of the leader of the opposition party. It is beyond my role and competencies. I could say, however, that I do not share your feeling regarding the reading of Mr. Papandreou's statements. That is what I can say at this time. I do not have the full text before me. But in any case, I will make no comment beyond this general impression that I have.

Journalist: I would like you to tell us whether there is anything new regarding the Prime Minister's trips in our region, and specifically to Tirana and Ankara, given that they have been announced and scheduled by both Mr. Berisha and Mr. Erdogan.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have nothing to say beyond what you already know and what I told you last week. The Prime Minister's programme of international visits has not been set in the detail required for there to be an announcement at this time.

Journalist: I will ask a question about a neighbouring country and I will ask a question about an earlier issue that we are discussing. Regarding the accession perspective of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, how does Greece view the reference to the term "Macedonian language" and the prospect of the "Macedonian language" becoming an EU language?

The second issue regards the question: "why did you accept the secrecy of the bilateral consultations", and you said "continuing the process that pre-existed". If you are continuing the process that pre-existed and if the content is that which is stated in Mr. Simitis's book, we are justified in concluding that you are following through with regard to its content as well.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Starting with the first question. In the opinion presented yesterday - beyond everything else that, as I said, you will have the opportunity to hear and ask about and be further informed about by the Deputy Foreign Minister - I note the exclusive and exceptionally frequent use in all of the European Union documents of the name "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". As for the issue you asked about concerning the language, the Commission is continuing its practice of using these terms, as it did in the March 2004 progress reports, as well as in the reports of 2003 and 2002.

You returned to the issue of the exploratory contacts. When I said that the process was continued, I spoke precisely about the process, and was not referring to its content. I referred to the terms characterizing the process and not to the content of the process. I was talking about the contacts' procedural nature.

Journalist: Refusing to reveal whether the exploratory contacts have touched upon the issue of the "grey zones", given that these islets called into question by Turkey belong to the Greek state based on two international Treaties, would it not be flagrantly unconstitutional and, to many, a betrayal, for any Greek government to negotiate the sovereignty of Greek territory? That is why I ask, is it not a little impressive that you deny at least that your government is doing such a thing?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I referred you to two points. First, to the Prime Minister's speech at the recent meeting in Parliament that was dedicated to foreign policy issues...

Journalist: To precisely what points are you referring?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I said that the delimitation of the continental shelf is the issue that is considered to be a problem in the bilateral relations of the two countries. Beyond that, the other point I mentioned - and I would ask here that there be understanding, or at least that you perceive the particular commitment - is that Greece will not unilaterally alter a practice followed conscientiously by both sides.

Journalist: But is it possible for the government to be unable to deny that it is negotiating Greek sovereignty over Greek territory?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I referred to very serious issues and described our commitment regarding them at this time. I have also made other specific references. I would ask that you look carefully at the answer I gave to Ms. Adam's question.

Journalist: I'll finish with this: Would you agree at least that it would be unconstitutional for any Greek government to negotiate Greek sovereignty over Greek territory?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The discussion of what is or is not constitutional is fully outside my competencies. I don't perceive the question.

Journalist: Mr. Spokesman, excuse me. An issue is being raised here. Tell us, in questions raised regarding the Turks, what issue we are discussing: That whether the government considers that the extent of territorial waters or the "grey zones" are issues for negotiation. Have we made a commitment to the Turks not to be able to say whether we are discussing our own rights?

We are asking for a clear statement from the Foreign Ministry spokesman to the effect that neither the issue of the "grey zones" nor that of territorial waters is a subject of discussion and negotiation with Turkey or with anyone else. What confidentiality and commitment to confidentiality? That is, have we undertaken such a commitment and not realised it? Pardon my manner, but I have been observing the discussion quietly all this time, but, excuse me, can you tell me why you cannot make this statement?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding the content of the exploratory talks, I think that my repeated answers on this are clear and leave no margin for questions or misinterpretations. As for the larger issue to which you refer: I am really surprised that there can be a question as to what the Greek positions are. These are positions that are repeated with consistency by the Greek government and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Greek side considers the delimitation of the continental shelf to be a disputed issue with the Turkey. Period.

Journalist: I asked you something else. Does the government consider that in any way, whether in a discussion of the continental shelf or any other discussion, that the negotiation of the extent of territorial waters and the so-called "grey zones" can be a subject for discussion? That is my question.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: As we all understand each other here, I perceive your question and the indirect consequence of an answer to your question. I have answered you regarding content. I am fully bound by the confidentiality regarding what is discussed, whatever that entails directly or indirectly. And I told you categorically what in the Greek view is the only dispute recognised by Greece with regard to its relations with its neighbouring country.

Journalist: Excuse me, Mr. Spokesman, why did you twice point out the removal from the negotiating framework of the "related issues"? What are the border disputes referred to in the Turkey-EU text, when we say "border disputes", by our own agreement, what do they refer to?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The reference made to the removal of the term "related issues" is, as you know, nothing new. It has been referred to since last December and in the relevant discussion in the competent Parliamentary Committee and in Parliament, where it was referred to recently. There was a specific purpose behind the action taken and the effort made. Because it was considered correct that this wording, in its lack of clarity and its broader vagueness, was problematic. That is why it was removed.

Journalist: I would like you to tell me when the Council will make a decision regarding the Commission's Opinion on fYROM, given that the positions of the 25 are arrived at through unanimity. Because the Commission also said yes for Turkey, but the Council said no to the first application.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: For the first time in Opinions of this kind, the status of the candidate country is recognized without a specific timeframe being given regarding the opening of accession negotiations. This has happened for the first time, and in itself is a point that should be underlined.

Based on the information that exists at this time, the relevant discussion will take place at the European Council this coming December. I don't have anything else to tell you. Regarding the dynamic that evolves among the 25, you known that the political time until then - about a month and a half until the December Council - in terms of political time is a long time for me to be able to make any prediction on how the discussion will develop within the framework of the coming European Council.

Journalist: Two questions. The first concerns the Molyviatis-Gul agreement during the Foreign Minister's visit to Ankara on a new confidence-building measure, the direct line of communication between the two Air Force Staffs regarding issues of violations and air traffic in the Aegean. I would like to ask where that agreement stands - whether it has been implemented, particularly of late, when a large number of Turkish fighters have been sighted in the Aegean.

The second question is a little more general: How would you characterize the current state of affairs in Greek-Turkish relations? Thank you.

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Regarding your first question, I will put it into a note at the end of the transcript of today's briefing, because at this moment I don't have a clear picture of precisely where this issue stands.

Regarding your second and more general question, you know that Greece's view - resulting from a broader strategic thinking on how the region must move in the future - is that we aspire to the improvement of relations with our neighbouring country within the framework of mutual respect and International Law. At the same time, there is support for Turkey's European course and perspective, a support that is described clearly in what we have repeatedly said: "Full compliance, full accession". And this is a policy that relies neither on counterproductive refusals, nor on the logic of blank cheques being given to anyone. Our relations are good and functional, and we hope they will get better.

Journalist: When will the Greek government release information about the contents of the exploratory contacts? Before they come to a conclusion?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The process of exploratory contacts is continuing.

Journalist: Would we be wrong in supposing, based on what you said earlier, that the reference to border disputes concerns only the continental shelf and the rest is related issues that have been removed?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I gave you a clear answer: Greece recognizes the continental shelf issue as its only difference with Turkey.

Journalist: Whether or not we could make the supposition?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I will not characterize any interpretation you come up with.

Journalist: The Greek government considered the issue of the incidents in Sarante to be closed, but the Albanian press and, I think, the Albanian side are moving the issue as they see fit and whenever they think they should. Is there, in the end, an issue of property of Albanian citizens on Greek territory? Is this provided for in the relevant Greek-Albanian Agreement?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The issue that extremist elements attempted to raise, creating the negative result for both sides of the Presidents' not meeting, is non-existent.

Journalist: A clarifying question: They asked you earlier about the dynamic of the 25. Does Greece support the proposal made by the Commission yesterday as is? That is, will Greece say "yes" to Skopje in December?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I have set out our position for you. Within the framework of a more general strategy that the Greek side is following and promoting with consistency, that is, for our region to move - as a whole, and each state at its own pace - toward the European Union is an aspiration of our country. Beyond that, as regards the specific issue of our neighbouring country, you know that there is a clear and very serious pending political issue. Greece's position on this outstanding issue with regard to the European course of our neighbouring country has been made crystal clear. This case will move ahead under two conditions.

Journalist: (off microphone)

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: An issue of Greece's accepting or not is not being raised at this time. There is an Opinion and this Opinion will be judged by the Council. Greece's position will be set out when it comes before the Council for discussion.

Journalist: So it can say neither "yes" nor "no".

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I answered you. This is the answer I would give you even if it was just before the Council or on the day of the Council. At this time I cannot jump ahead to any position on our part.

Journalist: Concerning Mr. Karamanlis's visit to Tirana or Mr. Berisha's visit here, the Albanian authorities stated that Mr. Karamanlis's visit to Tirana would take place on November 15. In the end, you said that there was no such issue; he will go at a later time. Was there a predetermined agenda of what the two Prime Minister's will discuss? Has anything changed in the meantime?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: You will perceive that when a date has not been set, it is too early for there to be a specific agenda.

Journalist: A clarification: The Albanian authorities stated in Rhodes, on camera, that it would take place before the 15th. After that you didn't say anything. After what happened in Sarante, will it take place, when will it take place, what will be discussed?

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: I tell you that, first of all, I am not aware of a specific date concerning a potential visit of the Prime Minister to Albania. You can perceive that when this minor issue has not been determined, the major issue, which is the essential preparation for the visit, cannot be carried out.

Thank you very much.