G. SKAFIDAS: In Evros, the Greek side demonstrated resolve, fortifying the border and erecting a fence which it seems determined to extend. However, how are we defending ourselves against Turkey's provocations in the Mediterranean, where no fence can be erected? Are we prepared for the possibility of a Turkish seismic survey vessel entering the Greek continental shelf?
N. DENDIAS: Extending the fence will further bolster our security and border protection. At sea, the Greek Armed Forces and security services function every day as a wall deterring any attempt to violate Greek sovereignty. Frontex is also present, of course. We are ready to address any hostile action, whatever its source. It goes without saying that we have examined many different scenarios. As the Prime Minister has stressed, from Evros to Kastelorizo and from Ereikousa to Gavdos, Greece will always defend its territorial integrity and security effectively and confidently. This is the obligation of all Greeks, whatever their position, whatever their political affiliation. We are a peaceful country, committed to International Law and aiming at cooperation with all states. However, we will not compromise our integrity and sovereign rights — and if anyone takes action against us, it is our constitutional obligation to defend our country.
G. SKAFIDAS: Against the backdrop of Turkish provocations in the Mediterranean, certain parties are revisiting the request for Greece to submit maps and coordinates with the outer limits of the EEZ/continental shelf to the UN. Is this something we are actually working on?
N. DENDIAS: As you are aware, we are in negotiations with Italy and Egypt to delimit our maritime zones. Our country is firmly pursuing the delimitation of maritime zones with all our neighbours, including Turkey, through application of the provisions of the pre-eminent legal document for doing so: the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is clear that our right, under the Law of the Sea, to a continental shelf is valid ipso facto and ab initio, without any restriction. Furthermore, International Law is absolutely clear with regard to islands, irrespective of the vague invocations by numerous Turkish officials who thus get exposed: Article 121 of the Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulates that islands, irrespective of size, have full rights to maritime zones, just like continental territory. Furthermore, the delimitation of a continental shelf and EEZ must take place in accordance with the rules of International Law and on the basis of specific principles and agreements. We are negotiating with countries in our region exclusively in this framework. Turkey's efforts to disregard geography and its neighbours and to espouse fictitious rules of International Law have no bearing on reality and have been condemned by the international community. Turkey should read the Treaty of Lausanne with greater care and respect, and with no revisionism, as any revisionism and allusions to “grey areas” could backfire. For instance, one might assert that, under Article 12 of the Treaty of Lausanne, Turkish sovereignty in the Aegean extends no more than 3 nautical miles with regard to the islands this encompasses. Indeed, one might also claim that there are islands lying more than 3 nautical miles from Turkish shores that do not fall under the exceptions and supposedly belong to Turkey.
G. SKAFIDAS: Although launched this March, Operation IRINI has been delayed. Are you optimistic that it will actually have a positive effect on stability in the region?
N. DENDIAS: The mission of IRINI is to enforce the arms embargo on Libya, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolution, and it is exceptionally important for the security of the entire Mediterranean. This is why Greece is not only participating in IRINI, but will assume its operational command during its second semester. Of course, to be frank, ensuring the implementation of UNSC resolutions, irrespective of any operations, requires that the members of the UN themselves respect the resolutions of the Organization's supreme body. In any event, the fact that the EU is undertaking this operation in the name of the UN is indicative of the importance of IRINI for stability south of the European Union, and an acknowledgement of the dangers resulting from third-party involvement in the civil war, in violation of every notion of international legality. Libya must be prevented from becoming the new Syria at all costs — and this concerns all countries in the region, not just Greece.
G. SKAFIDAS: Is there a risk that the shockwaves caused by the pandemic at the international level (drop in energy prices, temporary freezing of energy projects) could undermine the multilateral cooperation mechanisms in the Mediterranean in which Greece participates? Could a potential rapprochement between Turkey and countries such as Israel have an adverse effect on trilateral partnerships?
N. DENDIAS: The pandemic has indeed left its mark on geopolitics. However, it has not affected the partnerships we are promoting, which extend to many issues beyond energy. I would attribute the drop in energy prices more to political circumstance rather than the pandemic. In fact, the planning of these trilateral mechanisms is anything but circumstantial; they have long-term prospects and continue to run smoothly. This week, I attended a videoconference with my counterparts from Cyprus and Jordan on the promotion of our cooperation, and we will remain in touch with the other countries participating with us in trilateral cooperation mechanisms. Regarding Israel, in particular, I do not believe in zero-sum thinking. This is because our ties were forged not only on the basis of common interests, but also on the basis of common values such as democracy, pluralism and tolerance. The common perceptions connecting us and the true friendship between our societies must not be underestimated. Our cooperation is not directed against anyone; it is open to everyone, on the basis of respect for International Law and good neighbourly relations. I believe that the participation of the US in the trilateral cooperation of Greece, Cyprus and Israel validates and enhances the foregoing. Our purpose is to contribute towards promoting peace, security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
G. SKAFIDAS: The 2nd anniversary of the signing of the Prespa Agreement is a few days away. During this time, was Greece able to strengthen its position and influence in the Balkan region?
N. DENDIAS: Greece is cultivating relationships of trust with the Balkan states. Our long-standing policy has been to support the countries in the region on the road towards the European Union, economic development and peaceful co-existence. The Prespa Agreement had striking weaknesses, indeed. We stressed this while in opposition, but declared that we would respect our country's signature, as is the duty of every responsible government. Despite any difficulties, which are mainly due to the political situation in our neighbouring country, it is a fact that trust between our countries has been bolstered. This can be seen only as a positive development. Today, the Hellenic Air Force patrols the airspace of North Macedonia, our ally in NATO and a potential future partner in the EU. Therefore, based on this positive example set by our country, we intensified efforts over the past year to promote the EU accession course of our neighbouring country and Albania, under the well-known conditionality, of course. With regard to Albania, I would like to stress that respecting the rights of the Greek minority is a self-evident condition for its European course.
G. SKAFIDAS: The appointment of special envoys for Libya and Syria was hailed as a step in the right direction. However, are these appointments enough to promote Greek positions during a period of such intense developments?
N. DENDIAS: Greek diplomacy is returning to the Mediterranean, and the appointment of special envoys for Libya and Syria is part of precisely this rationale. Any absence has a cost — a large one, in fact. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not limiting itself to these actions alone. Our embassies in Damascus and Tripoli will reopen once conditions allow, and, as you are aware, Greek diplomacy has been remarkably active in regard to these two issues over the past year, being present where it once was absent. It is understood that this does not suffice. At the most recent Cabinet meeting, I presented the new Statutes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will increase the effectiveness with which we exercise our foreign policy, promoting our international interests and the country's image internationally, and upgrading our international economic relations and relations with Diaspora Greeks.
G. SKAFIDAS: The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luigi Di Maio, will be visiting Athens on 9 June. What will they key items on the agenda be? Will the recent negative statements made by Italian politicians about Greece affect the climate?
N. DENDIAS: Luigi Di Maio and I discuss matters openly. It is a given that we will also discuss the concerns expressed in Italy. Our bilateral relations are excellent, and each side listens to the other with respect and understanding. The agenda for our talks on 9 June will cover many topics, such as ongoing negotiations concerning the European Recovery Fund, the delimitation of maritime zones, developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Libya, the Balkans and the Middle East, as well as developments in the migration issue. I look forward to a particularly productive meeting with my Italian friend.
June 6, 2020