JOURNALIST: We have recently been seeing Ankara escalate its challenges. Which steps must Greece take next, and under which conditions can meaningful dialogue take place?
N. DENDIAS: In order for meaningful dialogue to take place, the provocations and threats must come to an end. You cannot claim to be “ready to engage in dialogue” while, at the same time, violating your interlocutor’s sovereignty and sovereign rights. This directly disproves what Mr Tsavousoglou’s oft-repeated claim that Turkey is ready for unconditional dialogue. Meaningful dialogue will take place on the basis of international law and good neighbourly relations, with no provocations and threats. Turkey cannot legitimately demand the forfeiture of sovereign rights as a prerequisite for dialogue. Should we see indications of an honest desire to engage in dialogue, without pretexts and PR ploys, we will be absolutely prepared to talk. After all, that is our modus operandi with all our neighbours, and that is what we wish to do with Turkey, as well.
JOURNALIST: Is the fact that Turkey did not issue a new Navtex regarding Oruc Reis a meaningful gesture of good will, or is it part of a short-term strategy in view of the Summit on the 24th and 25th of September? Given the foregoing, what decisions should we expect to see at the European level?
N. DENDIAS: This is a positive step in principle, which must be followed up on, i.e. complete abstinence from illegal actions and rhetoric. However, what we have sadly realised is that, in part, the provocative rhetoric has not ceased. The Turkish side must clarify why Oruc Reis was ultimately withdrawn and why the Navtex was not renewed: was it due to repairs and will it be returning once repairs are complete? Or is it a move that Greece must view as an opportunity, changing its position on the basis of Turkey's plans, as my Turkish counterpart recently stated? The contradiction at hand is obvious, but I believe that an answer is forthcoming, accompanied by the emergence of the Turkish side’s actual intentions. As regards its relations with the EU, Turkey is faced with a choice: either dialogue accompanied by demonstrable, meaningful and immediate de-escalation, or a list of sanctions. During the upcoming European Council meeting, the situation will be carefully examined and conclusions will be drawn, serving as a basis for any future decisions.
JOURNALIST: During the meeting held in the context of Germany’s mediation initiative, which issues were discussed? Was there actually an initial agreement from which Turkey withdrew?
N. DENDIAS: The Prime Minister has answered that question clearly. The content of this “agreement” had nothing whatsoever to do with what certain segments of the Press reported. It was an understanding reached after discussions between two officials regarding the steps to be followed, in order for exploratory talks to recommence — nothing more, nothing less. The understanding on that basis was effectively nullified by Turkey on the pretext of the wholly legitimate agreement signed between Greece and Egypt on the partial delimitation of an EEZ.
JOURNALIST: If these talks do not progress, how likely is an agreement to seek recourse with The Hague?
N. DENDIAS: If these talks do not lead to a solution, there is always the option of seeking recourse with a judicial body such as the International Court of Justice in The Hague in order to resolve the well-known, sole dispute. The International Court of Justice was created precisely in order to resolve issues that the party-states cannot resolve between them. In essence, it is International Law prevailing over gunboat politics. Of course, seeking recourse with Τhe Hague presupposes that the parties will have signed a special agreement to refer a matter to the ICJ in The Hague, i.e. have agreed on the court’s jurisdiction and on precisely what it will adjudicate. I must reiterate that Turkey has not accepted this, contrary to Greece, which has stated it is prepared to refer the matter to The Hague, if necessary. Our dispute with Turkey concerns the delimitation of the continental shelf and EEZ, which has and that always been the subject of exploratory talks. Sadly, we discern a persistent effort on the part of Turkey to unilaterally set the agenda, undermining these talks before they had even begun. A bad-faith observer might say that Turkey seems to be focusing on the blame game instead of on finding peaceful solutions. However, I hope that is not the case.
JOURNALIST: Do you believe Turkey will continue exploiting the migration issue? Could there be a new European strategy regarding this matter?
N. DENDIAS: Exploiting human suffering in order to extort the EU, Turkey once again exposed itself before the international community. This March, Greece proved that it is absolutely capable of protecting the external borders of Europe at Evros, enjoying the unanimous support of its partners. The migration issue concerns all of Europe. There must be a new European strategy addressing the challenges of the issue as a whole, particularly in first-reception countries. There must be a new agreement to replace the insufficient Dublin Regulation and overcome the reactions of certain Member States on the basis of equal treatment of the principles of responsibility and solidarity.
JOURNALIST: Following the EEZ agreements concluded first with Italy and then with Egypt, should we be expecting developments with other neighbouring states? Will we soon see an initiative for expansion of territorial waters to 12 nautical miles south of Crete, as well?
N. DENDIAS: Our goal is to gradually delimit all our maritime zones, always in the context of International Law and always in full agreement, where necessary, with our neighbours. Following the two agreements concluded with Italy and Egypt, the time is ripe for Greece to take the next steps forward. The competent services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are processing the actions necessary to expand Greece’s territorial waters to 12 NM in the Ionian Sea, at first, followed by preparation for other regions in the future. This constitutes exercise of an exclusive right of countries which is recognised by the International Law of the Sea and which is not subject to any kind of restriction or approval by third parties.
JOURNALIST: Recently we have seen a number of actions to strengthen the country's diplomatic position, as well as a meeting between the Prime Minister and the French President, focusing on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. What initiatives should we be expecting on the diplomatic ‘chessboard’ in the near future?
N. DENDIAS: The diplomatic strategy we have followed, establishing an extensive network of mutual understanding and cooperation with countries that respect international legality and face the same provocations, on one hand, and informing the international community of Turkey's aggressive actions, on the other, has proven fruitful. It has created a clear framework. It is important that we did not back down, we did not give into extortions, but also that we did not follow Turkey in the dangerous game of provocations. What I can tell you is that Greece will remain active at all levels, explaining its positions and actions to its partners at every stage of the process. These positions and actions will not surprise anyone, will not challenge common sense, will not violate and will not question international legality through legal abominations and illegal agreements. Instead, they will always take place in the framework of international law and the principles of good neighbourly relations, in which everyone will be invited to participate.
JOURNALIST: The government is increasing the country's defence budget. However, it is also employing measures to support enterprises and workers suffering the economic impact of the coronavirus. How easy is it to strike the balance required between defence spending and measures for the recovery of the economy?
N. DENDIAS: As you note quite correctly, it is a matter of balance. The government bears an obligation, towards both the present population and future generations, to bolster the country's defences on one hand, and to restore its economy and maintain social cohesion, on the other. These two aspects are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, if properly planned, strengthening our defences can contribute to economic recovery, both directly, through the recovery of the domestic defence industry, and indirectly, by strengthening the climate of security which is a sine qua non for the growth of a national economy. Greece will not become involved in an arms race. The choices made to modernise our Armed Forces are those deemed absolutely necessary. In any event, it is certain that strengthening our National Defence, i.e. ensuring our national existence, is a fixed obligation of every Greek government.
September 19, 2020