“Endless confrontation cannot be an option”
Today's centenary of the Lausanne Peace Treaty’s signing marks a historical milestone in the 20th century. Being multilateral, the Treaty has had a substantial impact on the wider region of South-Eastern Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East, even affecting distant Japan, a signatory to the Treaty. It also constitutes a major milestone in modern Greek history, as it settled the famous "Eastern Question", regulating the international legal framework of our wider region and drawing definitive and stable borders.
There were also painful losses for our country, such as the fact that Eastern Thrace, Gökçeada (Imbros), and Bozcaada (Tenedos) became part of Türkiye and that the compulsory exchange of populations was finalised, a harsh practice that has never been applied internationally since.
On the other hand, after almost a century of existence of the Greek state, the Treaty provided the impetus to pursue a foreign policy that placed emphasis on the development and consolidation of the country's position in the European and international scene. Furthermore, it contributed decisively to the shaping of our country's national identity, with the refugees' integration into Greek society.
The Treaty formally regulated relations between Greece and Türkiye, creating a stable framework for the coexistence of the two peoples. In the years that have passed, Greece has remained fully committed to upholding its terms.
Reflecting on the tumultuous modern European history, I feel that our country has benefited from this commitment. It has effectively defended its territorial integrity and the inviolability of the borders, set out in the Treaty, and has also secured the incorporation of the Dodecanese islands, from Italy after the end of the Second World War. Today, our country is an integral part of the European family, a pillar of stability in the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan region and a strong partner in bilateral and multilateral international schemes. At the risk of oversimplification, which arises inevitably when judging a legal fact by its outcome, the Treaty of Lausanne is deemed a success insofar as it has endured overtime and remains one of the longest-lasting international conventions in force worldwide.
Apart from the above, I believe that today's anniversary offers us another valuable lesson, especially at this juncture. That if in 1923, following a fierce war with enormous losses for both sides, Greece and Türkiye were able to find a path of compromise and managed to bridge their differences, then we, under incomparably better conditions, should walk the road of peaceful cooperation, with sincerity and honesty, and seek understanding, while adhering to the principles and rules of International Law. Endless confrontation cannot be an option.
To conclude my thoughts on this day, I feel the need to share with the readers the sense of confidence that arises from reflecting on Greece’s challenging but ultimately successful journey in the hundred years since the signing of the Treaty. And above all, I would like to highlight the weight of responsibility that those of us in public office are called upon to bear in managing our national interests. This responsibility extends to all Greeks today, and to future generations, to whom we must pass down a proud homeland, committed to national rights, and, if there is a response, a peaceful international neighbourhood.
July 24, 2023