JOURNALIST: Are you worried that the pandemic might be intensifying the government’s political attrition? Polls have already shown not-insignificant signs of political fatigue. At the same time, the opposition is accusing you of having lost control. Has the time come for a shift in strategy?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: I fully understand the society’s fatigue resulting from the pandemic. However, I believe that Greek people understand what the government has done to safeguard the citizens’ health and, at the same time, to support financially in every way possible those affected. The strengthening of the NHS, the excellent organization of the vaccination programme, the massive provision of self-tests, the battle we fought with the Prime Minister at the European Council for the €72 billion of the Recovery Fund, which will be injected into the real economy – all of this is the work of the government. And this shows that the government is battle-ready, prepared for all the stages of this difficult situation, maintaining control – unlike Syriza, which, as polls show, is coming under heavy fire from citizens for its opposition tactics employed during the pandemic. Naturally, we are always vigilant, making the necessary adjustments based on the epidemiological data. Methodically and cautiously, the schools and retail have already reopened, while tourism and the catering industry will follow soon. I’m optimistic that our ‘Freedom’ is drawing near.
JOURNALIST: Sofa-Gate has generated outrage in Europe. Do you think it took a protocol issue for the European leadership to realise whom they are dealing with?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: Sofa-gate was indeed an awkward and unpleasant incident, which came on top of other actions by Turkey that are giving rise to concern among all European, such as Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention on the protection of women. I see the same concern at the meetings of the EU General Affairs Council. There are widespread reservations, if not suspicion. They understand that Turkey is involved on all the war fronts in the region, that it is threatening stability and security, provoking Greece, violating Cyprus’s rights, diverging from the dictates of international law. And Europe is now sending a clear message: If Turkey wants to have a functional relationship with the EU, it will have to cooperate, to prove that it embraces Europe’s values and, of course, respect not just the protocol, but the EU acquis and international law.
JOURNALIST: What do you think it means that Italy’s prime minister called Erdogan a “dictator”? Do you see a change in stance, even among Ankara’s traditional allies?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: It is true that Mr. Draghi’s statement caused a sensation. Apparently, some of our European partners are no longer as tolerant as they were until recently with regard to certain developments in Turkey. The European Union is first and foremost a union of principles and values, with special sensitivity to human rights and the rule of law. However, it is ultimately up to Turkey which path it will take, and it will be treated accordingly by both the European Union as a whole and the individual member states.
JOURNALIST: Can there be a rules-based relationship with Turkey? Do you think we will have a period of detente on the Eastern Mediterranean front, at least until the summer?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: We believe in diplomacy. The Minister of Foreign Affairs’ meeting with his counterpart in Ankara falls within this context. Greece always believes in dialogue and pursues peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. But we have made it clear that we will not back down from our red lines. Greece speaks the same language – the language of truth – everywhere, both at home and abroad. We have shown that we can find common ground, as we did with Italy and Egypt, always on the basis of legality and the principle of good neighbourly relations. In the case of Turkey, we have repeatedly stated, in every possible way, that there is but one difference to be resolved: the delimitation of maritime zones. Provided they continue in a spirit of good faith and Turkey refrains from provocative actions, the exploratory talks we have begun with Turkey can bear fruit. After all, the longer Turkey sits at the table and comes under pressure from European and international players, the more clearly it sees that it is not in its interest to jeopardise security in the region.
JOURNALIST: Following the visits of the Prime Minister and Mr. Dendias who visited Libya twice in the space of two weeks, a clear message has been sent that the Libyan House of Representatives should not ratify the Turkish-Libyan Memorandum. Has the Greek message been made clear to the Libyan authorities?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: Indeed, the message Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent from Libya was very clear, and I think it was received – judging from the statements made by the Libyan Prime Minister, not in Libya or Greece, but in Turkey, where it needed to be heard. Following the Prime Minister’s trip, it was understood that Greece cannot be excluded from the discussion on the delimitation of maritime zones in the region. And that is what happened! In Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ meeting with the Chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council in Athens, last Wednesday, it was agreed to resume negotiations on the demarcation of maritime zones. In addition to being able to contribute to the political, diplomatic and economic reconstruction of Libya, Greece, as a member state of the European Union, can also influence the Europe stance on Libya, as our Libyan neighbours are well aware.
JOURNALIST: What does your visit to Italy mean for both bilateral relations and developments in Europe and the Mediterranean?
M. VARVITSIOTIS: Greece and Italy are connected in many ways. We have a common vision for a stronger and more ambitious Europe that is based on cooperation and solidarity. Greece and Italy share common positions across the European agenda. Italy is an important economic partner, and, of course, we have much in common with the Italian people. Our cooperation with Italy must be multifaceted, ongoing and expanded. There is a common approach and understanding on both Libya and the migration issue, as well as on security issues in the South-Eastern Mediterranean. On Libya, in particular, the reconstruction process and the stabilisation of the country are our priorities. Greece is stepping up and taking initiatives in the Mediterranean, so that we can all coordinate, cooperate and promote policies that serve the common interest.
