JOURNALIST: You spoke of a "historic window of opportunity" regarding the issue of the delimitation of maritime zones with Türkiye. What are the expectations for the upcoming Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting in New York?
G. GERAPETRITIS: In New York, the leaders of the two countries will outline the new roadmap for the Greek-Turkish dialogue, ahead of the High-Level Cooperation Council to be convened at the end of the year. Despite the significant disagreements that exist, the fact that communication channels remain open, reflects the willingness of both sides to establish calm and stability in our neighbourhood. Our country engages in the dialogue on the only issue that can be brought before international jurisdiction - the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) - with the confidence it derives from its enhanced diplomatic standing. In this context, I believe there is indeed a window of opportunity to ensure lasting peace in our region. The decision on whether the conditions are ripe to give the mandate to the two Foreign Ministers to explore the possibility of finding a mutually acceptable solution, lies with the leaders of the two countries.
JOURNALIST: You stated that "at this moment, the conditions exist for us to advance the Cyprus issue”. What do you believe could lead both sides to the negotiating table this time?
G. GERAPETRITIS: After a long period of inaction and following intensive diplomatic efforts by the Greek government, in coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, the Cyprus issue has re-emerged at the forefront of the United Nations agenda. Simultaneously, discussions within the EU regarding EU-Türkiye relations, including the Cyprus issue, are advancing, as referred to in the European Council Conclusions of April 2024. Just a few days ago, we had the opportunity, along with my EU counterparts, to raise these issues in the presence of the Turkish Foreign Minister. It is true that the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations creates more favorable conditions. However, it is clear that relaunching the dialogue towards a long-standing, just, and viable solution for the reunification of the island cannot take place outside the framework of the United Nations Security Council resolutions for a bi-zonal, bi-communal Federation. There can be no solution without dialogue. However, a dialogue that sets terms beyond international law, is unacceptable.
JOURNALIST: In North Macedonia, the Prime Minister insists on violating the Prespa Agreement. What means does Greece have at its disposal to put an end to these violations?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Regardless of one's political stance, the Prespa Agreement is an international, legally binding document for the parties involved, which supersedes any provision of law and cannot be unilaterally amended. We are closely monitoring the Prespa Agreement violations by North Macedonia's leadership. We respond immediately and consistently, keeping our partners and international organizations informed. If the core principles of the Agreement continue to be violated, there are appropriate safeguards in place, which our country is well aware of. Selective compliance with international law comes at a cost.
JOURNALIST: A comment on the fifty years since the restoration of Democracy, against the backdrop of the recent activity among the opposition parties.
G. GERAPETRITIS: These fifty years stand out as the most stable and prosperous era in our modern history, featuring the most mature and inclusive democracy our country has ever experienced. New Democracy has played a pivotal role in both the establishment and deepening of democratic institutions and in the acceleration of the country’s economic growth. Greece's accession to the European Union in 1981 and preserving its Eurozone membership status during the economic crisis are milestones of the era following the restoration of Democracy. Undeniably, the achievements of this period were based on the robust functioning of the political system - a parliamentary governance system with strong institutional counterbalances, which allowed for the smooth succession of governments over time. In this context, it is imperative for the major opposition parties, currently in a restructuring phase, to articulate a credible discourse - especially when the country faces complex challenges. Prolonged introversion within political parties begets populism. Populism in economic and social issues is dangerous. In national issues, it is catastrophic.
JOURNALIST: What are the core principles shaping the operations and policy-making of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has organized our work around three core pillars: trust in the service, respect for institutions, and diplomacy of principles. We are utilizing and promoting the experienced and capable personnel of the Ministry. We regularly inform Parliament and periodically provide private updates to political leaders. We convene the National Council of Foreign Policy. We conduct foreign policy based on principles, not transactional diplomacy, thereby gaining credibility. With seriousness, knowledge, and prudence, we converse with all parties and develop an international capital that exceeds the size of our country. The almost unanimous election to the UN Security Council, under the banner of commitment to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes, confirms our diplomatic strength and lays the foundation for further international recognition. With pride for our country and security for the future.
JOURNALIST: Are you satisfied with the reforms implemented by the Mitsotakis governments? What priorities do you set to pursue a majority government?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Every change does not constitute a reform. A reform must ensure a decisive break from the past. This requires a shift in political thinking. For decades changes were often haphazard and uncoordinated. In this regard, the monster of excessive legislation, poor laws, bureaucracy, and corruption was created. Since 2019, a significant effort has begun to change this mindset. Consider some simple examples: The Law on the Executive State introduced a unified governance framework for the first time in Greece; the new judicial map had been pending for 100 years; the opening of non-state universities marking a new chapter unjustifiably kept closed; gov.gr digitizes 1,901 administrative services; the climate law sets the terms for sustainability for future generations. These reforms are necessary, but not sufficient. Further dedication to our program is required, better coordination of multiple overlapping responsibilities, and professionalism in implementation. And, above all, we must remain committed to the Prime Minister's mandate to be humble and in tune with society.
JOURNALIST: From an academic career to government positions. How do you experience this transition?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I have always felt a moral duty to give back to my country for the opportunities I received: studying at a prestigious model school, studying both in Greece and abroad with a state scholarship, and teaching at the largest Greek university. For this reason, the decision to engage in politics was not difficult. However, the transition from academia to politics was violent. I had to adapt overnight to a different reality, without compromising what I had long taught my students, while also integrating into my rational thinking components like the political cost of any action. However, in my political career, the political cost has never constituted a decisive criterion guiding my choices. This adjustment occurred in an environment of excessive exposure, leading to a swift and painful realization that a public figure must tolerate criticism, regardless of how sharp or bothersome it might be. Unfortunately, hostility, intolerance, and a lack of limits in public discourse are a daily punch in the stomach and require inexhaustible reserves of composure and focus to continue doing what is right. To manage this, I rely on maintaining pillars of balance in my life. I keep a low profile, I maintain the habits and social interactions I have always had. I remain simple and approachable in my daily life. I aim to serve the office entrusted to me by my country not as a politician, but primarily as a citizen.
September 14, 2024