Dispute over Foreign Policy

Athens.- ANA, ERT
National issues were at the focus of the discussion of the agenda for foreign policy in Parliament that took place on Friday, presided by the leaders of the political parties. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis stated that the government is working for a powerful Greece, in the heart of Europe, which will be a factor of peace and stability in the Balkans, noting that the positive results of the foreign policy being implemented are obvious.

President of PASOK George Papandreou criticized the government of incredibility and accused it of deserting the main axis of Greek foreign policy that was practiced for years.

On their part, KKE Secretary Aleka Papariga and SYN President Alekos Alavanos stated their opposition with ND and PASOK’s policy.

Foreign Minister Petros Moliviatis intervened in the foreign policy discussion and noted that the planning and the foreign policy implementation practice are directed to the protection and promotion of our national interests and the establishment of peace and stability in our area.

Karamanlis: “Working for a Powerful Greece”
Kostas Karamanlis explained Greece’s strategy, which is based on the triptych of “peace, development and stability.”

“We are working for a powerful Greece, in the heart of Europe, a factor of peace and culture in the wider region. At the same time we are reinforcing our cooperation with the U.S. for the advancement of common interests with mutual respect,” stated the Prime Minister.

A necessary condition for the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations is the resolution of the Cypriot issue, noted Mr Karamanlis and stated that Greece supports the EU prospect of the neighboring country, which also depends on its behavior and the materialization of the Summit Meeting in December 2004.

Over the Cypriot issue, Mr Karamanlis repeated that the government supports a functional and viable solution based on the Annan plan and always in cooperation with the Cypriot government.

Concerning the FYROM issue, he repeated his intention that a meeting between political leaders should take place.

More specifically, the PM underlined “from the first moment we made clear that the Nimitz proposal did not satisfy us, but that we would be willing to enter a final stage of discussion.” The result of the Greek’s side position was “after many years the international community paid attention to FYROM.”

In closing, Mr Karamanlis underlined that the main aim of the government is the constant exchange of views, consensus and the unity of the Greek people. “For us national issues are above all parties and governments. And I would like to underline this,” concluded Mr Karamanlis.

Making reference to the “mistakes of government foreign policy,” Mr Papandreou spoke of a “mumble-jumble of the issue for the decrease of military equipment with Turkey,” Erdogan’s “increased mobility compared to Mr Karamanlis,” and the “unconditional” support of the Turkish accession to the EU, and especially the “overturn” of the Helsinki context that placed a timeline for a common appeal to the Hague.

George Papandreou accused the government for incredibility and lack of policy, while he predicted an increase of tension in the Aegean by Turkey.

Mr Papandreou claimed that the government has decreased Greece’s negotiation ability, taking steps back in Lucerne, from the previous discussions acquits, concerning the Annan plan.

Over the FYROM issue the leader of the opposition stated, “from the time that we negotiated the non-usage of the name from the neighboring country, with Nimitz’s latest proposal we started to discuss if Greece has the right to use it.” Also the President of PASOK spoke of an attempt to intercept the consensus of his party on the issue.”

Aleka Papariga expressed her disproval of the foreign policy implemented by the two great parties, making reference that the previous government just like the current one is tied to American interests.

In reference to the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to the U.S. Mrs Papariga said “you will see President Bush and he will ask for heaven and earth and you will give it to him, or else you wouldn’t be going there to reject it and unfortunately that is our prediction.”

Regarding the name of FYROM, she said that “the US intervention does not only aim at this country, but at all Balkans.”

As for Greek-Turkish relations, Mrs Papariga clarified that KKE is not in favour of tension, “but good neighboring cannot be ensured by backing down in territorial rights.”

Alekos Alavanos expressed the concern that we are once again returning to the dogma of a threat from the North.

Referring to the Balkan issues, SYN president is against unilateral independence in Kosovo. He accused PASOK and ND governments for the fact the FYROM problem troubles Greece for more than a year and stressed that “SYN position for a composite name is finally proved right.”

As for Greek-Turkish relations, he underlined that “air battles have become a daily phenomenon in the Aegean. Areas of national sovereignty, like Imia, are questioned. With what policies are we going to deal with these issues? Brussels keep a silent stance. We wish to promote negotiations in the context of International Law by taking our cases to the Hague.”

Regarding the Cypriot issue, we wish for a solution accepted by both communities. Without referees. Without tight deadlines. Full demilitarization. A system of guarantees for the implementation of agreements.”

Mr Alavanos asked to be briefed on what the Greek Foreign Minister agreed to in his recent visit to the U.S., and called on the Prime Minister to inform the Parliament on the issues that he will submit to George Bush on the occasion of his forthcoming visit to Washington.

Foreign Minister Petros Moliviatis commenting on the speech of the PASOK President accounted him with bombastic announcements and defaming descriptions that indicate a weakness of practicing substantial criticism on foreign policy.

Also, Mr Moliviatis stated that foreign policy would not be a field of party dispute and advantages because no one will come out a winner and national interests are affected.