JOURNALIST: We will now discuss Greek-Turkish relations, among other things, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias, who is with us and we thank him very much for that.
I'd like to start, Minister, with some contradictory rhetoric coming from Türkiye- you’ve just viewed this video with us-. On the one hand, there’s a favorable atmosphere, a moratorium, a friendly climate so as to speak. On the other hand, there’s again the issue with the islands, and aggressive rhetoric as well. In the end, what are we to believe in view of the elections in Türkiye?
N. DENDIAS: We’ll see that after the elections. I believe that now, in the midst of intense pre-election period in Türkiye, it’s obvious that various things will be heard and said, maximalist views will be put on the table.
I think that we, as always, have to keep calm and wait for the government that will represent Turkish society after the elections to create a favorable climate that will allow for a serious dialogue to be conducted on our sole dispute.
JOURNALIST: Let me put it in simple words because people are asking that as well. Which government would serve best our interests? A new Erdogan government or an opposition government?
N. DENDIAS: Just imagine the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs taking a position regarding Turkish society’s choice. What would happen the following morning...
JOURNALIST: I’m just wondering if anything substantive will change regarding our foreign policy and the way we handle...
N. DENDIAS: I don't put all parties, all people, and all governments in the same basket. But in no way should Greece get involved in Türkiye’s internal political life. That would be a major mistake.
JOURNALIST: Do you think, however, that the opposition can change its foreign policy if it wins the elections?
N. DENDIAS: The opposition has not given us a clear picture. I have to notice though, that occasionally some of its positions have been sharper than those of the government.
Do you recall when, regarding the islands, the opposition instead of saying to President Erdogan, "What are you talking about?", said, "Why do you say things but not do them?"
JOURNALIST: Because there may be a second round of elections in Türkiye, the whole process may take some time. Are you concerned about an impending period of instability?
N. DENDIAS: I believe that the greatest benefit of the favorable climate is that we are not concerned about this period. If we had this discussion 3-4 months ago, we would be quite concerned about how we would ensure calm in the Aegean during the election period in both countries.
At the moment there’s no such risk. That’s extremely important.
JOURNALIST: True, but what if the Greek society prefers coalitions? Especially on national issues, because sometimes national issues can occasionally benefit from consensus. If you eventually reach a point where you have to choose?
N. DENDIAS: You're saying that to a government and a minister who have sought, and to some extent, have succeeded in achieving consensus over the years on the broad lines of foreign policy. However, recognition is also due to the opposition parties, because we have to be clear: We have succeeded in achieving consensus, in keeping the tone down, and the known terms such as "traitors, sellouts " have not been heard over these years.
Aside from that, however, understanding does not mean the absence of a one-party government; rather, it refers to the one-party government’s specific behavior.
JOURNALIST: Could I also ask a question that many people have? Should your party regain power, would you like to remain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
N. DENDIAS: That's up to the Prime Minister and what he will propose to me. From there on, I will consider it on the basis of his decision and proposal. But it makes no sense for me to think it in advance; the Prime Minister always takes the initiative in these situations.
JOURNALIST: What can the Greeks expect in Sudan, Minister?
N. DENDIAS: A truce, so that we can evacuate the Greeks from Khartoum.
It's not easy, we are in constant contact; our Ambassador and the Metropolitan are in constant contact as well. I spoke with Mr. Shoukry today; we are talking with the French who have the leading role on behalf of the European Union there. But it's a situation that will last for quite some time; it doesn't look like there's going to be any calm.
We're looking for a window of opportunity to get our people out of there. But we are following the situation very closely. We have two injured people in the hospital; they haven’t been able to have surgery yet, they are being treated; it's an extremely difficult situation.
JOURNALIST: A situation that you think will take time, will go on for long? Because there's a lot at stake.
N. DENDIAS: The two warring factions in Sudan, Al-Burhan and Hemeti, both have strong forces. I'm not confident that this will be addressed quickly, but that doesn't mean that a truce that allows at least foreign nationals to leave Khartoum can't be reached.
April 19, 2023