In the interview he gave to journalist Apostolos Tomaras, published in today's ‘Kathimerini tis Kyriakis’ newspaper (Cypriot edition), Alternate Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis conveyed Greece’s readiness to contribute to the reopening of talks regarding the Cyprus issue. Mr Varvitsiotis stressed that the only acceptable basis for resolving the Cyprus issue is the one prescribed by international law, the resolutions of the United Nations and the european acquis, and that there can be no solution to the Cyprus issue without the elimination of the anachronistic system of guarantees. “In any event, as regards the Cyprus issue, Athens is bound by the general position that Nicosia decides and Athens follows”, he added. The Alternate Minister also described the conditions under which talks could recommence between Greece and Turkey, which he called the “troublemaker in the wider region” and “an overall European security problem”. In his view, nothing can be ruled out, but he stated that Greece is ready for any eventuality, composed, determined and internationally strengthened as a factor of stability and regional security. Finally, Mr Varvitsiotis presented the legacy of the Greek Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, which will end in a few days, and stated that he feels proud because “we declared that democracy, the rule of law and human rights cannot be the collateral damage of any health crisis, and that, even when tested to the limit, Democracies are characterised by red lines which we cannot cross”. These principles are reflected in the Declaration of Athens, “the largest and most timeless legacy of our Chairmanship”, he explained. The Alternate Minister also referred to the Observatory for History Teaching, which he called an innovation that will contribute towards addressing historical fanaticism.
Interview below:
Following the most recent excursion of ‘Oruc Reis’, the prospect of dialogue between Greece and Turkey has diminished. What is next?
For some time now, Turkish provocativeness has escalated to unprecedented levels both in terms of rhetoric and aggressive actions. The opening of Varosha was just such an action. At the same time, Turkey is the troublemaker of the wider region, having involved its military in almost all active battlefronts. Therefore, Turkey is currently an overall European security problem. However, Greece has lost neither its composure nor its determination. We are tirelessly building a wide network of alliances with all critical geostrategic actors in order to promote Greece’s positions. We are engaging in talks with everyone and are internationally strengthening our reliability as a factor of stability and regional security. At the same time, we have complete confidence in our Armed Forces, which have long been selflessly proving their soundness in action. Furthermore, it is important that the national front remain unbroken.
Do you believe the possibility of an episode is a genuine threat?
Our relations with Turkey are indeed at a critical juncture. This is the most extended and serious crisis between our countries in recent decades. Nothing can be ruled out and we are ready for any eventuality. Greece believes in the power of diplomacy, not arms, just like all civilised states that do not remain obsessed with 18th-century practices, when there was no international law. However, if our sovereign rights are challenged, rest assured that negotiating or ceding them will not even cross our minds.
As various opinions have been voiced, is it clear to the Greek government that the only issue regarding Turkey concerns the maritime zones?
If the dialogue between Greece and Turkey that stalled in 2016 ultimately recommences, we will need to examine under which terms this will take place — and the first and foremost common ground must be the subject-matter of this dialogue. Therefore, as far as Greece is concerned, the dispute concerns the delimitation of maritime zones, and does not extend to broader issues or unilateral claims that Turkey labels ‘bilateral issues’ in order to further its revisionist plans.
The first meeting between Messrs Anastasiadis and Tatar confirmed the gap between the two sides. Is Greece prepared for a quintilateral meeting?
The basis for negotiating and resolving the Cyprus issue is clearly defined by the Resolutions of the UN Security Council, which provide for a Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation, and, of course, the european acquis, as Cyprus is an EU Member State.
As you are aware, Greece fully supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General for the resolution of the Cyprus issue which, after all, is a major national issue. In this context, Greece has repeatedly reiterated its readiness to respond and contribute to every effort by the UN Secretary-General to reopen negotiations. Of course, Turkey's unlawful conduct in the maritime zones and territory of Cyprus, particularly by opening the coastal zone of Varosha, is of no help to these efforts.
Given Turkey's intention to retain the guarantees, what does Greece intend to do?
Greece’s position on this matter is clear and unwavering: there can be no solution to the Cyprus issue without the elimination of the anachronistic system of guarantees and third-country rights of intervention in Cypriot affairs, which is incompatible with the functioning of a modern, independent state.
What would the effort to change the basis for resolving the Cyprus issue, i.e. the Federation, mean for the Greek side?
It is a fact that, in the past, Turkey attempted — unsuccessfully — to promote the idea of ostensibly alternative “solutions” to the Cyprus issue, aiming at a shift away from the negotiating framework in place.
The only acceptable basis and framework of talks for the UN, under the auspices of which negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue are being held, its member states, the European Union and, of course, Greece is international legality, as prescribed by International Law and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.
In any event, as regards the Cyprus issue, Athens is bound by the general position that Nicosia decides and Athens follows.
Greece is handing over the chairmanship at a time when Europe is under attack by radical Islam. How must Europe respond to this issue?
Religious fundamentalism is indeed resurfacing with great intensity, and this is a major concern to us. However, reprehensible acts of indiscriminate violence, such as those seen in France and Australia, are absolutely condemnable. Intolerance and hate speech, voiced even by leaders of states, have no place in the 21st century or the open societies of Europe. A Europe established in our collective conscience as synonymous with respect for all religious tenets, freedom of expression and tolerance towards diversity. Europe will continue defending these overarching values in a non-negotiable, coordinated and united manner, protecting its citizens and its culture.
How must Europe face the second wave of the pandemic without prejudicing human rights?
By once again making difficult decisions. By striking the right balance between protecting human life and ensuring that the engines driving the economy do not freeze to a standstill. If we fail to learn what we were taught by the first wave, failure is a certainty.
Firstly, all European governments must ensure that the inner core of fundamental rights remains inviolable — and if we do need to limit these rights, these limitations will be those that are absolutely necessary and proportionate, and will remain under continual scrutiny. Moreover, we must create suitable mechanisms that will prevent any further abuse of governmental power, as we saw last time, even in certain states in the heartland of Europe. Finally, we must combat fake news and anti-scientific theories before they fan the fires of populism at the cost of human lives.
What is the legacy of the Greek chairmanship of the Council of Europe?
The Greek Chairmanship was a major challenge for all of us due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. However, I would proudly say that we turned this challenge into an opportunity. An opportunity to once again highlight the principles and values of the Council in a new light: enhancing these principles and values at a time of crisis. We, therefore, declared that democracy, the rule of law and human rights cannot be the collateral damage of any health crisis, and that, even when tested to the limit, Democracies are characterised by red lines which we cannot cross. We also placed great emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable social groups and condemned their stigmatisation and marginalisation. In fact, we went one step further and decided to record all these principles in a single text: the Declaration of Athens. We would say that this is the largest and most timeless legacy of our Chairmanship. A guide that will help future generations to avoid the uncharted waters we traversed.
Of course, there is also the Observatory for History Teaching, another legacy of the Greek Chairmanship, which we are proud of and which we hope will prove useful to future generations.
How important is the establishment of a European History Observatory?
The Observatory for History Teaching is an innovation which we hope will make a significant contribution towards addressing historical fanaticism that has caused so much suffering in Europe. We in Greece and Cyprus know full well what it means for your neighbour to insist on counterfeited historical truths in order to further their irredentist plans.
This Observatory will be politically neutral and, by recording data, will contribute towards consolidating the democratic awareness and historical knowledge of future generations. I have always believed that the study of History must unite peoples, not divide them, must lead to convergence, not conflict, must create informed citizens who are aware of their historical roots but do not fear a different reading of history. It is our hope that, once established, the Observatory will educate precisely such citizens throughout Europe.
November 8, 2020