Greece hopeful for further development of co-operation with Azerbaijan

How do you appreciate the current relations between Azerbaijan and Greece?

Our two countries enjoy good political and cultural relations. The last two years have seen a dynamic exchange of high-level meetings which help towards fostering closer ties. Greece is hopeful that we will further develop and deepen our political, economic and cultural co-operation. In this spirit, we eagerly await to welcome the Azeri delegation at the 2nd Session of the Joint Ministerial Committee for Economic and Technological Co-operation, which will be hosted in Athens.

What is the official position of Greece in the solution of Kosovo problem?

The main aim of Greece's policy is to have a Southeastern European neighbourhood characterised by flourishing economies, opportunity for its citizens, peace, security and stability.

We believe in the need to devise a viable and sustainable solution to the Kosovo issue. To this end, we stood behind and supported the international community's efforts to bridge differences and to bring about a compromise which will ensure the functionality and viability of any solution. We have repeatedly called upon both sides to show the necessary constructive spirit and realism during the negotiation process.

In short, the Greek government's position on the issue of Kosovo's future status is threefold. First, we have insisted, and continue to insist, that any solution should be consistent with the principles and values of the European Union, and should be devised within the framework of the region’s European perspective. Second, we believe that if a democratic Kosovo is to emerge, it will have to become a multiethnic and multicultural society, which will tolerate and protect the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religion and ethnic origin. Third, the international community has to ensure that any solution reached will bear no negative impact on the region's stability.

Do you think that the possibly Kosovo's independence precedent might be applied in the case of the 'frozen conflicts' from postsoviet republics? Is it dangerous this precedent for international stability?

I don't believe that Kosovo may constitute a precedent. The situation in Kosovo is in no way comparable to those in other regions. The case of Kosovo is unique; it has its own historic trajectory, its own internal particularities, its own present realities. It is an error to generalise; to take a very specific situation out of context and try to apply it elsewhere.

What is the position of Greece on the "frozen conflict" and specially Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict?

Greece supports the territorial integrity and inviolability of all borders. This, naturally, refers to the borders of all post-soviet republics including, of course, Azerbaijan.

With regard to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, we support the efforts made on behalf of both the Azeri and Armenian presidents to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Nagorno Karabach conflict. The efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and its co-chairmen towards the settlement of the conflict are also extremely important. We sincerely hope that a peaceful solution will soon be reached, and that the refugees will be able to safely return to their homes.

What is importance of Nabucco project for Greece and what kind of place Athens wants to take in this project?

The Nabucco project is included in the EU's Trans-European Energy Network and constitutes a priority for the EU and its neighbouring countries. Hence, while Greece is not directly involved in the project, we support its construction. We do so for two main reasons which we believe to be of crucial importance. First, it is a project which will diversify energy supply routings. Second, coupled with the TGI Interconnector Project which could be operational by the year 2011, both pipelines will greatly contribute to Europe's energy security.

How is the activity of Muslim community in political and social life of Greece?

We Greeks have a deep respect for all religions. We have been living alongside Muslims for centuries and have a profound understanding of Islam.

We are supporters and promoters of the dialogue of religions and believe in the need for all spiritual leaders of all faiths to extend the hand of friendship and of peace. This is essential for our peaceful cohabitation. It provides the space within which to build bridges, foster trust, address common challenges and resolve divisive issues. In this spirit, we do not distinguish between peoples of different faiths, and Muslims living in Greece enjoy the same rights and obligations as all other inhabitants. Equality before the law and the state is a value which is firmly entrenched in Greece, irrespective of religion.

Besides energy, in what spheres is Azerbaijan attractive for Greece?

Azerbaijan is a wonderful country with a plethora of resources. It offers a great deal of opportunities for investment in the agriculture sector, construction, communication, banking, telecoms, transport and, of course, tourism.

Furthermore, our two countries can further deepen their bonds via the cultural sector. For instance, I know that the Azeri people have shown a great interest in Greek culture and civilization. The Hellenic Cultural Centre at the Slavic University of Baku are doing noteworthy work in terms of promoting and teaching the Greek language and civilisation to Azeri students. Equally, Azerbaijan is a country with many cultural and tourist attractions to offer. The old city of Baku, for instance, with its fine arts and history museums housed in pre-revolutionary mansions is magnificent. Moreover, Baku’s Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, which are classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, are a splendour for the eyes. In short, cultural co-operation, coupled by tourism, are domains which offer both countries a great many opportunities.

Greece is the member of EU. How do you value Azerbaijan's perspectives for accession to this organization? How can you help Azerbaijan in this way?

For Greece, Azerbaijan is an important and valuable partner and ally. During the Greek EU Presidency in 2003, our country supported Azerbaijan's rapprochement with the EU. Indeed, we promoted the idea of appointing an EU Special Representative for Southern Caucasus.

EU-Azerbaijani relations are developing on several levels. Your country has been a member of the Council of Europe since 2001 and has been the EU's European Neighbourhood Policy partner since 2006. The signing of the EU-Azerbaijani Action Plan will, I believe, contribute further to bringing the two sides even closer. It will also help Azerbaijan in its reforms. In short, it provides Azerbaijan with the unique opportunity to make full use of an enhanced co-operation with the EU.

Moreover, the EU and Azerbaijan have entered a new era of co-operation in the energy sector with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. Both sides share mutual interests and challenges in the energy sector. The signing of this memorandum not only provides the legal framework for co-operation but is also a tangible expression of the political will from both sides to work alongside each other – to be partners.

Does Greece, as a NATO state, intend to enlarge military cooperation with Azerbaijan?

There have been instances of co-operation. For example, we trained Azeri officers at the Multinational Peace Support Operation Training Centre in Kilkis, Northern Greece. This Centre is one of the 11 NATO PfP Training Centres. We would be willing and happy to repeat this training programme.

Greece welcomes Azerbaijan's commitment to Partnership for Peace, as well as its desire to sign an agreement on bilateral military co-operation. The Greek government has always supported and promoted the idea of co-operation and partnership. We believe that partnerships and alliances breed peace and security. To this end, we welcome any proposals for a closer co-operation that the Azeri side may have to offer.

Greece signed an agreement in the sphere of energy with Bulgaria and Russia which envisages transferring the Russian oil through Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline. Is this project a rival of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline?

The month of March marked the three-way signing of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline. Greece, Russia and Bulgaria signed for the construction of an oil pipeline which will transport Russian crude oil to Mediterranean shores. This will be economically more efficient and will reduce the environmental risk in the Straits. Moreover, it will serve to decongest the already 'overworked' Bosphorus Straits.

It is an error to view this important project as antagonistic to either the Straits or the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Large-scale energy projects such as the Burgas-Alexandroupoli and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipelines are welcome by the international community. They should be seen as complementary rather than in competition with one another. Such projects are important for the environmental future of our planet. They are also crucial in diversifying energy source routings, thereby enhancing energy security.

Finally, we must not forget that they also contribute to the wider economic development our continent. The construction of such energy projects should be supported and promoted by everyone in the international community as they are to the benefit of the whole of the international community.