GREECE EXPECTS PRIMARY FISCAL SURPLUS IN EARLY 2014: GREEK AMBASSADORS’ INTERVIEW WITH NEWS.AM
September 10, 2013 | 01:19
YEREVAN. – Armenian News-NEWS.aminterviewed Greek Ambassador to
Armenia, Ioannis Taghis.
Ambassador Taghis, how would you assess the current level of relations
between Greece and Armenia?
The Greece-Armenia relations are excellent, and they are based on the
rich historical past of the two countries. Our two peoples have always
had close relations ever since ancient times. In recent years, Greek
President Karolos Papoulias’ visit to Armenia in 2007 and Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan’s return visit to Greece in 2011 have highly
contributed to the development of relations between our countries.
Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian’s official visit to Greece this March
likewise gave new impetus to the development of our relations.
Let us not forget the contribution of the large Armenian community
in Greece and the Greek community in Armenia to the enhancement of
the bilateral relationship.
In the European context it should be noted that Greece stands ready
to contribute to the cooperation between Armenia and European Union.
Armenia has already signed several agreements with EU, which include
the relaxation of the visa requirements with EU member countries
and successfully completed the negotiations for a future association
agreement.
How would you assess the Armenian-Greek economic relations? What
prospects for development do you see in this domain? Which domains
of the economy could they refer to?
I believe the Armenian-Greek economic ties have a big potential
though now are well below the level of political relations between
the two countries. They can improve in domains such as pharmaceutics,
construction, high technology, food trade, etc.
As for Greece, I can say that the economy is stable and all the
conditions are in place for successful investments in Greek economy,
specifically in the domains of tourism, construction, and real estate.
Tourism is very much developed in Greece. Armenia likewise attaches
a great importance to this sector. In your view, to what extent is
tourism development full of prospect in Armenia?
Truly, there is a great potential for tourism development in Armenia
and it is a promising sector in your country. In my view, the
development of tourism can be of importance for the economy as a whole.
Do you agree with the view that tourism obstructs the development of
other domains?
Diversification is important for all economies, but if a country has
especially potential in a specific field why not to benefit of it.
The Greek economy is going through a difficult period. In your view,
what are the ways out of this situation? Some even mention the need
to leave EU and the eurozone. Is there such need?
Greece was among the first European countries affected by the debt
crisis and with the support of the EU and the IMF the Greek Government
implements an ambitious economic adjustment programme in order to
improve the country`s competitiveness and macroeconomic outlook
through fiscal adjustment and structural reforms. These efforts have
already started bearing fruit: total debt has been reduced, Greece is
expecting a primary fiscal surplus in early 2014, the competitiveness
of the economy has increased and the business environment is improving
making the country more attractive for foreign investments.
Nevertheless the continuous austerity measures have adversely affected
unemployment and recession. There must be therefore a balance between
the necessary fiscal solidity and an effort to boost growth and tackle
the unemployment and this is the direction Greek Government is moving.
No one speaks any more about Greece leaving the eurozone let alone
the EU as some people used to predict a year ago and the euro itself
looks stronger.
What impact has the economic crisis had on ordinaryGreek citizens? Do
the regularly-occurringprotests and strikes undermine the addressing
of economic problems, or do they promote finding better solutions?
Criticism and protests commonly happen in all democratic countries
where the citizens freely express their view and to some extent they
can contribute as you say in the adoption of the right policy. In
Greece the austerity measures as I said before have had a direct social
impact. In view of that the Government has made consistent efforts to
protect especially the most vulnerable parts of the society besides
the steps taken to boost growth.
And do the rank-and-file [Greek] citizens already feel the positive
results of the present-day economic policy [in Greece], or is time
still needed for this?
I believe the positive results and changes are already seen and
they will be soon more clearly felt, when new jobs are created. The
fact that the Greek products have again started to compete in the
global market likewise bespeaks the reviving of the economy. All the
indicators show that the competitiveness of the Greek products in
the global market has increased markedly.
In your view, should a diplomat set before himself an objective when
assuming the position of an ambassador in a country?
The work of a diplomat is important and, certainly, the ambassador of
a country should set objectives before himself when being appointed to
his/her post. And these objectives depend on the relations between his
country and the state where he is appointed as ambassador. In my case
I will consider it a personal reward if I`ll be able to substantially
contribute to the consolidation of the excellent relations between
Greece and Armenia.
Do you remember your first impressions upon arrival in Armenia?
I was very positively impressed by the very modern look of Yerevan
airport. I must also mention the fascinating special architectural
color of the old buildings of Yerevan.
You have worked in a variety of countries. Can your mindset change
by visiting new countries? Do you receive anything from a new culture?
Of course. Every diplomat can learn many things when working in
different countries. During his work, a diplomat familiarizes with
new cultures, new conditions, gaining experiences which enrich and
broaden his way of thinking.
They say the Armenians and the Greeks have many things in common. Do
you agree? What are the similarities and the differences between
our peoples?
The two peoples are very close to each other sharing the same social,
moral and political values, with the exception of language.
Is there something you miss a lot bybeing far away from Greece?
I love Greece very much with the special meaning that homeland
always has for everybody and I have always missed [it] wherever I
have worked. But I would say I miss Greece much less here in Yerevan,
since we are very close to Armenians in terms of mentality, life style,
and even cuisine.
And in the end, what would you wish to the Armenian people?
I wish peace, progress, and welfare to the people of Armenia.
By Artur Khemchyan
http://news.am/eng/news/170432.html