Interview of Alternate Foreign Minister Droutsas on CNBC

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

Journalist: Mr. Droutsas, thank you very much indeed, sir, for joining us. Now, we have heard a lot from the Finance Minister about the economic challenges, but from a foreign policy point of view, how much is this crisis affecting the credibility of Greece, and indeed your position in world politics?

Mr. D. Droutsas: Thank you very much. First of all, a warm welcome here to Athens.

It is a fact that the challenge Greece is facing, our country is facing in the financial sector certainly doesn’t make my life easier. This is certainly a fact.

But again, I think this government has proven that, with very systematic work and preparation, we have put forward a very credible three years’ plan to fix our country’s public finances.

And I have to stress that it is one thing the economic situation, and another thing what Greece can really contribute to the international community and to international developments. I think that Greece is a real key country, a key factor in our immediate neighbourhood, the Balkans. We are the country that is able to promote the European accession process of all the countries of the Western Balkans to the European Union in a credible way. We are the reliable partner for these Balkan countries.

And another issue which is of even greater importance, I would say: Greece has always been playing a role of a bridge between Europe and the Middle East and the Arab world. This is very important, I think, in our times.

Journalist: We'll come to that in a moment, sir. But what about the role of Greece within the EU? It has been seen as, at the moment, perhaps the sick man of Europe. And that’s some title, given the problems we are seeing in Ireland, in Portugal, in Spain and elsewhere.

But what can Greece do to improve its profile, on an EU-wide basis?

Mr. D. Droutsas: Again, Greece is now approximately 30 years an EU member state, I think a very reliable EU partner. Definitely, Greece has had many advantages from its EU membership, especially for the development of our country.

But again, Greece is able to offer a lot to the European Union. It is a power of stability in the region, in the troublesome region of the Balkans.

And again, this function of a bridge-maker between Europe and the Middle East, the Arab world, is something that is very important and should not be underestimated.

Journalist: And so Greece has got an important role to play in the accession of Turkey as well, something you support?

Mr. D. Droutsas: Certainly. The relations with Turkey are very important to us.

I dare to say, I dare to claim that Greece was the architect of EU-Turkey relations back in 1999. We opened the door of the European Union for Turkey. We are still continuing fully supporting Turkey in this path.

But on the other hand, of course, we have also to say in very clear terms that Turkey must also abide by the rules, do its homework, make the necessary reform internally, but also do things like respect international law, respect the integrity of all its neighbours, and be a reliable and good friend.

This is the path Greece wants to take again and depart on in its relations with Turkey.

Journalist: Sir, we are going to leave you there, but thank you very much indeed for joining us. It’s a magnificent day in Athens, and we’ve been subject to some great hospitality as well, so it’s been a pleasure speaking to you.