Athens , 20 January 2009

Journalist: Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis, Greece has taken on the 2009 chairmanship of the largest regional security organization, which covers the geographical space from Vancouver, in Canada, to Russia’s Vladivostok. What are the aims of your visit to Moscow on 20-21 January, as Foreign Minister of Greece and as Chairperson of the OSCE?

Ms. Bakoyannis: First of all I would like to express my delight at this opportunity to once again visit your country, with which Greece, as you know, is linked by long-standing ties of friendship. I am carrying out this visit within the framework of my responsibilities as Chairperson of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, an Organization that, as you said, covers the Euroatlantic and Eurasian space, bring 56 participating states – including Russia, the members of the EU and the U.S. – to the same table. During my visit, I will have the opportunity to meet with my friend and counterpart Mr. Lavrov, with whom we will discuss all the issues within the Organization’s area of responsibility. I am sure that – as always – our collaboration will be very fruitful and productive.

Journalist: While you are in Moscow, do you plan to discuss Russian President Medvedev’s proposal for a new European security architecture? What is your assessment of Greek-Russian cooperation on the international political stage in general?

Ms. Bakoyannis: The objective is for us to discuss all of the important issues that are within the framework of OSCE responsibilities. We had interesting discussions on the future of European security architecture at the Helsinki Ministerial Meeting in December, and I hope that this productive dialogue will be continued and strengthened during the Greek chairmanship. Let me add that the OSCE – with its range of responsibilities and the geographical area it covers – is really an appropriate forum for these types of talks. Beyond that, I believe that Greek-Russian political cooperation is at an excellent level. Our two countries – with the foundation of profound historical friendship between our two peoples – have converging views on many major issues being confronted by the international community today. In parallel with our constantly expanding cooperation on a bilateral level, Greece and Russia are working closely within the framework of the UN and other international organizations that we are both members of.

Journalist: In your opinion, how are Greek-Russian relations developing in the various sectors – political, economic, defense, tourism, etc. Does Greece intend to assist toward speeding up the negotiation process for the new EU-Russia cooperation agreement?

Ms. Bakoyannis: There is no question that in recent years our traditionally close relations have taken on a new dynamic and impetus, and this can be seen in the constant exchanges of visits on the highest levels of the political leaderships of the two countries. At the same time, there is new momentum in our economic relations, spearheaded, of course, by the energy sector. The prospects for further strengthening and deepening these relations are really vast. Important steps have been taken in our bilateral economic cooperation in many other sectors: construction, high technology, tourism. Our goal is for our bilateral economic relations to become even stronger, so that their level corresponds to that of our political relations. With regard to speeding up the negotiation process for the new EU-Russia cooperation agreement, Greece is resolved to continue to contribute resolutely to Russia’s ongoing approach to European structures.

Journalist: Greece may be the only country that – thanks to the policy of different suppliers – is not having problems supplying its domestic market with natural gas due to the interruption of provision of Russian natural gas by Ukraine. Do you believe that Greece should promote the plan for construction of the South Stream pipeline, which was ratified by the Hellenic Parliament, and which experts see as increasing diversification of Greek and European natural gas supplies?

Ms. Bakoyannis: Recent events really have shown the prudence of Greece’s policy, which emphasizes diversification of energy routes and making Greece into an important energy hub for its wider region. In the current international environment, energy production and transit countries gain and maintain a strategic geopolitical and economic advantage. In this direction, the Greek government set the strategic goal of putting Greece dynamically on the new energy map taking shape in the wider region. Our objective is to be a trusted, responsible and predictable partner; a strong link in Europe’s energy chain. We are moving steadily towards our goal through the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline – a project of particular geopolitical and economic importance to our country – the natural gas Interconnector Turkey-Greece-Italy, and of course through the promotion of the South Stream pipeline. We want Greece to be a safe energy transit center with Europe in our broader scope.

Journalist: What are the priorities of the Greek OSCE Chairmanship?

Ms. D. Bakoyannis: Greece is assuming the OSCE Chairmanship at a time when the whole world and the OSCE region, in particular, face great challenges in terms of security and stability. In this unstable environment, the OSCE has proven its substantial flexibility and adaptability in a constantly changing geopolitical reality and that it can play a significant role in strengthening security and cooperation. Greece’s first priority in this direction is to achieve the broadest possible consensus between the Organization’s members on security issues that call for solutions. We believe that we can contribute to these solutions as a reliable broker. Other important priorities of the Greek Chairmanship are strengthening the Organization's effectiveness as well as deepening the dialogue on its institutional development and legal personality. Continuous constructive dialogue between OSCE members is the safest way to succeed in our efforts and this is why we intend to promote it to the best of our abilities. It is our ambition to be an active and effective Chairmanship to the benefit of the Organization and its members, but also of stability and cooperation across the field of action.

Journalist: Russia believes that the OSCE has to have two independent missions – one in Tbilisi/ Georgia and another one in Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as the OSCE must discuss the mission’s terms in Tskhinvali directly with the authorities in South Ossetia.  In which way could the OSCE contribute to strengthening security in South Ossetia and Abkhazia?

Ms. D. Bakoyannis: I believe that a continued OSCE presence in the region is particularly important. At a humanitarian level, there are many people that absolutely need the support and help offered by the OSCE mission. It is of crucial importance to them that the mission continues to provide relief and this also stands for the general mission on security elements, which ranges from the protection of human rights to police training. We are working tirelessly and we are in close talks with all the sides, in order to be able to continue our important work. I am confident that all the sides have the necessary will to find a way to move ahead that is acceptable by all parties.

Journalist: How can the Greek Chairmanship help resolve the Nagorno-Karabach dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan?

Ms. D. Bakoyannis: The peaceful settlement of frozen conflicts is an important priority for the Organization and the Greek Chairmanship of course. On this particular dispute, we want to follow on the footsteps of previous Chairmanships in playing an active role, in cooperation with the Minsk Group, and we will work in order to sustain last year’s momentum also in 2009. We are determined to cooperate with all the parties in order to intensify negotiations and strengthen dialogue aimed at attenuating tensions and reaching a viable solution that will enhance stability and cooperation in the region and improve human lives in these two countries. We hope that the Organization can contribute to the peaceful settlement of this dispute.

Journalist: Which role can the OSCE play, in your opinion, in regions of tension, such as Afghanistan and Kosovo?

Ms. D. Bakoyannis: The extent of the activities to be undertaken by the OSCE and the flexibility that it can show mean it can take on a substantial role in promoting security and stability, depending on each region’s specificities and particular characteristics. In Kosovo, for instance, the OSCE can continue to play a vital role in the areas of good governance, the protection of human rights and the reinforcement and protection of the region’s institutions. At the same time, we are cooperating with Afghanistan, which has common borders with three OSCE member states, in order to be effective in our fight against terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking. Thanks to the broad range of its activities, the OSCE has the ability to adapt its action to the special requirements of each region where he is called to act, thus ensuring greater efficiency to the benefit of stability and security.