Athens, 21 January 2009
Journalist: Greece reacted positively to President Medvedev’s initiative for a new, legally binding agreement on European Security, and, as the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office, expressed the desire to host a meeting – in Athens – for a substantial discussion on the subject of the new European security architecture. What specific steps in this direction will be discussed in Moscow? What is your view of the substance and goals of the Russian President’s initiative? To what extent is Greece satisfied with the existing European security system?
Ms. Bakoyannis: First of all I would like to say how happy I am to be visiting Moscow once again. Greece and Russia are connected by strong political, economic and cultural ties and I am looking forward to meeting Sergey Lavrov and holding extensive discussions on issues of mutual interest. I am confident that –among other things – we will have an open discussion on the European security architecture. The OSCE is a well-placed forum for such a dialogue since it is the only regional organization that encompasses the wider Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions. It is also rooted in a unique, ambitious concept of security based upon shared values, agreed commitments and the fundamental dignity of the individual. Of course, the strength of the OSCE lies also in its extraordinary ability to adapt to Europe’s changing needs and challenges. I believe that in a world full of various and asymmetrical threats, an open dialogue on our common security would be useful. This dialogue could start from the bottom up, moving towards the top, and the Greek Chairmanship is ready and willing to organize such a meeting, so as to give to all the participating States the opportunity to focus on our common security, with no strings attached as to the timeframes and the rules of procedure to be applied.
Journalist: The consultations on the future of the presence of OSCE observers in South Ossetia were renewed in Vienna on 13 January, on a Greek initiative. According to journalistic sources, Greece proposed a compromise version. What is the substance and basic positions of this? Is it likely, in the end, that the OSCE will accept Tskhinvali’s wishes and send a second, separate mission to South Ossetia?
Ms. Bakoyannis: As of January 1st, the Mission is in a phase of technical closure. However, it is evident that the situation on the ground and throughout the region requires more OSCE presence, not less. The Greek Chairmanship is committed to maintaining a meaningful OSCE presence in the region. We have presented all parties concerned with a proposal, a set of ideas, to break the deadlock. We are striving for a consensus solution, based on OSCE principles and commitments. During my visit I will have a thorough discussion on this issue with Minister Lavrov. I believe that there is political will on all sides. Where there is a will, there is a way. It is now up to diplomacy to find a viable solution. The OSCE has a long tradition of imaginative and flexible solutions, but these can work only if there is good will and political courage on all sides. I am confident that with hard work and good will we can reach a win-win solution for all.
Journalist: The Medvedev-Sarkozy plan provide’s for Russian troops leaving Akhalgori, and this has not happened so far. Why didn’t Europe impose the withdrawal of Russian troops from there?
Ms. Bakoyannis: I see in the crisis in Georgia both a challenge and an opportunity. This crisis has shaken us out of our complacency, and reminded us that our job is not done. It therefore provides us with the opportunity to look afresh at the mechanisms we have created, to re-dedicate ourselves to the full implementation of our agreed commitments, and to consider new ways to build indivisible security. When the European Union speaks with one clear voice it proves that it has all the necessary means to contribute to peace and stability in the region. In the past, the lack of consensus in the conduct of its external affairs has had a disruptive effect for all actors involved. Today, there is no longer room for cracks in a common front. Following up on the good work of President Sarkozy last autumn we recognise that there is still a fragile peace and that we must support the efforts of all parties for a long-lasting and viable solution.
Journalist: Greece is also affected by the natural gas dispute between Russian and Georgia, given that since 1 January it has not received the quantities of natural gas it was slated to receive from Russia. To what extent do the developments on this issue influence the Greek establishment with regard to the dependability of Gazprom?
Ms. Bakoyannis: Energy security is an extremely important issue for the entire international community including Greece. I must say that we were concerned about the increasing disruption to supplies because of the recent problems, not least because of the extreme cold conditions all over Europe. Russia as a supplier and Ukraine as a transit country each plays its own critical role in providing Europe with energy. They are also both participating States in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, along with 54 other countries, several of which are directly affected by this dispute. Speaking on a bilateral level, as you know over the past few years the Greek and Russian authorities have been working together closely and effectively. We are confident about our co-operation and are looking forward to continuing in the future on such projects like the South Stream.