FM BAKOYANNIS ADDRESSES BROOKINGS INSTITUTION IN WASHINGTON
Athens News Agency
February 24, 2009 Tuesday
WASHINGTON (ANA-MPA/T.Ellis) – Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis
on Monday termed 2009 a year-challenge for all during a speech
delivered at the Brookings Institution on "Collective Security in
the 21st century; Building new bridges".
"I think we all agree that 2009 is a critical year. It could be the
beginning of the end or the end of the beginning of an incredibly
challenging time," Bakoyannis, who is on three-day visit to the
U.S. capital, told her audience.
"The global financial and economic crisis casts a shadow over all of
our efforts. And no doubt it concerns people not just numbers. The
massive economic downturn we are witnessing is dramatically changing
the political landscape thus presenting a security concern all
in itself.
"In the wider European region alone, just a few weeks ago, the gas
crisis reminded us of the vulnerability of our energy supplies. The
after-effects of the Georgia conflict last August have not given way
to long-term stability. In Kosovo, the year that has passed since its
unilateral declaration of independence has brought us no closer to
a consensus on its status. In Transdniestria and Nagorno-Karabakh,
longstanding protracted conflicts continue to defy resolution." she
said.
"One thing is clear. In our multi-polar world, security depends on
more than just power. It depends on building relationships and forging
ties. It depends on building bridges over troubled waters. Global
problems require global solutions. The need for global governance,
the need for collective action and an international order based on
common rules, has never been greater," Bakoyannis emphasised.
"We in Greece have developed through the ages the art of building
bridges.Therefore, I am proud to say that over the years Greece has
forged strong ties and built solid relationships with peoples close and
afar that have withstood the test of time. Greece is present in the
efforts made by the international community for peace and security
in regions as far apart,as Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Nagorno-Karabakh, Georgia, Western Sahara, Abkhazia, Eritrea &
Ethiopia and Sudan.
"In the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean, Greece helps combat
international terrorism. In Somalia we are assisting in the combat
of piracy. In the Middle East we have been active amongst others in
assisting the women of the region on their road to empowerment. And
in Afghanistan our force there is assisting in the reconstruction of
the country.
"With this in mind, I would like to describe three bridges we see as
very significant.
First, the bridge over the Atlantic that brings Europe and the US
together.
Second, the bridge across Eurasia that brings Russia closer to the US
and Europe. Third, the bridge over the European heartlands that brings
the Balkans to the European family," the Greek foreign minister noted.
"Now, there is a saying that goes "great winds blow upon high
hills". The European Union has guaranteed peace and prosperity for
each of its 27 members.
But we must not forget that our era asks for greater engagement with
the rest of the world. I strongly believe that the US would benefit
from a strong Europe that stands as an equal and solid partner. Now is
the opportunity to do so, with a new Administration that has generated
such popularity and enthusiasm around the world. Now is the time to
think of ways to further deepen this relationship, including, but by
no means limiting it to, the NATO framework," Bakoyannis added. "We
need to formulate the most expedient power-sharing possible with each
side undertaking the responsibilities it is most fit to bear. In this
context, European soft power is a desired corollary to US military
might. Still, Europe must develop, as it has already started to do
slowly, its own military capability, which is crucial, particularly
in regions, where only Europe is an acceptable mediator by all. To
be totally candid however there are certain issues that the European
Union must resolve in order to keep our side of the bargain. We have
shown leadership, as in the crisis in Georgia, but we still have some
way to go," she said.
Turning to problems in the Balkan region and which are of
particular interest to Greece, the Greek foreign minister said:
"In Bosnia-Herzegovina, fourteen years after the Dayton Accords,
much remains to be done, especially when it comes to streamlining
decision-making. A change in the mindset, the active participation
of all its citizens and a certain degree of political consensus is
needed. After some slow progress in 2008, 2009 is a crucial year in
the European integration of the country in order to match this of
its neighbors.
"It is significant that countless prophesies of doom never
materialized.
"As it is equally significant that the citizens of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, irrespective of religious and ethnic background, are
looking forward towards a Euro-Atlantic future for their region. Yet,
the state remains extremely fragile and the international community
must re-engage.
"Turning to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In the past
couple of years a number of worrying signals have been coming from
Skopje. The Government of Nicolas Gruefski appears to have chosen
the road of nationalism, awakening Balkan ghosts. The forthcoming
Presidential elections this March will be another key test.
"Particularly since last Junes parliamentary elections were mired
with violence and voting irregularities. As you probably know, Greece
has been in negotiations, under the auspices of the UN, for years
with the FYROM over its name. Despite our good will and our sincere
efforts, these negotiations have not been successful so far. We hope
that the Government of Skopje will meet us half-way and agree on a
win-win solution.
"Last but not least, Turkey. I think many of us agree that Turkeys
accession to the European Union is key. Greece is very much in support,
and has proved it over the years.
"Our support for Turkey is naturally offered under the same rules and
principles which apply to each and every EU candidate. This is the
same process for everyone – the one for example that Greece had to
go through. Hence, our support can not be unconditional. It relies
upon Turkey honoring her commitments and promises.
"Turkey has taken certain steps forward, in the reform process. We
were all happy to note that there was some progress with the amendment
of infamous Article 301 of the penal code. This was long overdue.
"Much remains to be done however. Overall progress is assessed by
the EU as quite modest. A number of outstanding issues remain to be
addressed. These issues concern among others, the consolidation of
the democratic system, as well as the respect of minority rights,
of the freedom of religion and of the freedom of expression. In the
same spirit, good neighbourly relations and adherence to International
Law are also of capital importance.
"No doubt Turkey has a long and winding road ahead. Nevertheless,
it is clear that it is a road well worth travelling because it would
benefit both Turkey and Europe. "Linked with Turkeys prospects for
accession to the EU is its continued occupation of Cyprus. A just,
lasting, and functional solution for the reunification of the island
after 35 years of Turkish occupation is long overdue.
"In 2008 we welcomed the beginning of a new effort, within the UN
framework, with direct talks between the two sides. We hope that
this new effort will achieve an agreed settlement, which will at last
reunify the island and allow the two communities to live side by side
and prosper."