JOURNALIST: Based on your long years of experience and your meetings and talks abroad, how drastic is the situation? Is there a visible danger of the country’s leaving the euro? Do you fear a return to the drachma?
S. DIMAS: We will neither return to the drachma nor leave the eurozone. The situation is, of course, very difficult. We are living through an unprecedented situation, and the Greek people have suffered a lot. But we need to have confidence in our strength and not give up the effort. It is up to us. Greece is part of the united Europe, and that is where we will remain.
JOURNALIST: Given the difficult state of affairs, shouldn’t the Papademos government enjoy the sincere support of the political powers, and particularly the parties participating in the Papademos government?
S. DIMAS: The government has the support of the parties participating in it, and it has the acceptance of the Greek people, who want it to achieve its goals. It has a broad parliamentary majority and a clear mission. It needs to complete that mission for the good of the country.
JOURNALIST: What would a failure of the Papademos government mean for Greece?
S. DIMAS: I cannot accept that there is a possibility of failure. No one has any excuse for not doing everything they can so that the government can achieve the goals it has undertaken. At this point, we can all see what is at stake.
JOURNALIST: There are many who are looking to elections and shaping their strategy accordingly. Do we have the luxury of politicking?
S. DIMAS: Not for political expediency. But you can’t expect us to agree on everything. There are three parties and nearly 50 ministers. That is why we need good preparation from the ministers and cooperation with the parties participating in the government. Right now, our country needs a government that is low key and emphasizes results. That is what our partners want to see: results.
JOURNALIST: Are you opposition or government? Is there such a thing as qualified support?
S. DIMAS: I am a member of the government and am working for its success. Instead of a lot of talk, it is better for each of us to do their job. That is the only way Greece can get out of the difficult position it is in.
JOURNALIST: We are on the verge of a new loan agreement. Will New Democracy vote for the new measures, or do you fear the political cost?
S. DIMAS: The completion of the loan agreement is one of this government’s duties, and it needs to be ratified in a timely manner. In the current state of affairs, the notion of political cost is a luxury we don’t have.
JOURNALIST: In the case of a delay with PSI, should the government’s term be extended, and for how long? Why this obsession with elections before Easter?
S. DIMAS: PSI cannot be delayed. The country can’t take it. If the government isn’t in a position to go to elections in April, that means it has failed in its task. April elections are a benchmark for its success. If it fails – and I don’t believe it will – there is no reason for a failed government to remain in power.
JOURNALIST: Do you think the current government can be seen as a precursor of something along the same lines after the elections, should New Democracy not gain a majority – as opinion polls indicate – or would you opt for further elections?
S. DIMAS: The closer we get to the elections, the stronger the trend will become towards a New Democracy majority. And New Democracy’s majority government will govern pursuing the broadest possible consensus. Everyone can and must do their part in Greece’s effort to exit the crisis.
JOURNALIST: Are you in favor of substantial cooperation with Turkey and Israel on energy issues, and how will that be achieved?
S. DIMAS: We are neighbours with Turkey, and we already have considerable energy cooperation via the pipelines connecting the two countries in Thrace. It is in both countries’ interests to continue pipeline cooperation on carrying hydrocarbons from Russia and the Caspian to Europe. As for Israel and the wider Eastern Mediterranean, the discovery of major deposits has created major opportunities. What we need is good planning so that our country can capitalize on its position. The high level of our political relations with Israel and our brotherhood with the Republic of Cyprus are an ideal foundation.
JOURNALIST: Is the Greek side ready to go to the negotiations on the FYROM name issue? Are you wary of pressure for a solution ahead of the Chicago NATO meeting in May?
S. DIMAS: The Greek side is prepared to support the activation of the negotiation process. We are not afraid of a solution – we are pursuing one. We want to see our neighbouring country move toward the European Union and NATO. It is in Mr. Gruevski’s hands for a speedy solution to be found. Rather than seeking and fabricating excuses for accusing Greece, he should focus on the negotiations so that we can reach a solution, to the benefit of both countries.
JOURNALIST: What is your position should the EU raise the issue of an embargo on Iranian oil exports?
S. DIMAS: This issue directly impacts our country’s energy security and the smooth functioning of our economy. At the December European Council we made our reservations clear to our partners, we won their support and gave time to the competent agencies in Greece to move ahead with their alternative planning. In handling this issue, we need to ensure that Greece is not deprived of options.
JOURNALIST: Are the Yilmaz statements poisoning the efforts to build trust between Greece and Turkey? How will that trust be restored?
S. DIMAS: As long as this issue remains unresolved, it will poison public opinion and the efforts to build trust, as you said. The current Turkish government has taken considerable steps in investigating similar cases. It has to do the same thing in this case. But we, too, must re-examine all the relevant data. I have already requested the collaboration of the competent services so that we can have a complete picture and decide on the next steps.
JOURNALIST: Are you concerned at the deterioration in relations with Russia?
S. DIMAS: Greece pursues and has traditionally close, friendly relations with Russia. One of the first meetings I had after taking up my post was with the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr. Lavrov, with whom I had a warm and constructive meeting. As for the issue of Russia’s recent reactions, I don’t think they impact the deep and broad network of Greek-Russian relations.
JOURNALIST: Right after you took office, you talked about the need to restore Greece’s international credibility immediately. Has the climate changed at all?
S. DIMAS: The formation of this government showed the whole world that the Greeks are determined to fight to get the country out of the crisis. The climate is certainly different, but a lot more needs to be done to restore the country’s credibility, and mainly we need to talk about the work we are doing. Above all, we ourselves need to respect our country, because – before anyone else – it is we who shape the country’s image abroad through our actions and words.
January 7, 2012