The Alternate Minister of National Defence Fotis Kouvelis, in an interview that he gave on Tuesday, 27 March, 2018, on ERA 1st Program (National Broadcaster) to journalist Thanos Siafakas, stated among other things:
Regarding EU-Turkey leaders’ meeting in Varna:
No result was reached, if you have in mind a committing decision, there could not exist any at this time. I consider it important that Europe was clear towards Erdogan and Turkey regarding the EEZ of Cyprus and the Aegean Sea. I also find it interesting that the EU sent a clear message to Turkey according to which no progress can be achieved in Europe-Turkey relations without a progress in its relations with Greece and Cyprus. And, of course, it is also interesting to examine the redefinition of Erdogan’s position towards Turkey’s European orientation.
Regarding the issue of the detention of two Greek officers:
It was requested that the two Greek officers be released before the Orthodox Easter. I cannot tell you whether our request regarding the release and the return of the two officers to Greece will be implemented, because Erdogan refers this issue to the Turkish justice. We should wait for the exact content of the indictment to be announced and for the date of the potential trial in the court of Edirne to be determined.
Regarding whether Turkey understood this meesage:
What I think that matters is that Turkey, after quite a long while, returns to its Europe-oriented position. What the terms and conditions it sets will be, it is still to be determined.
I estimate that this is a redefinition of Turkey’s attitude towards the EU; a redefinition which is only verbal, but it demonstrates the effort Turkey makes at this moment, based on the negative correlations which it has formed in the wider region and not only with Greece, Cyprus and Europe, but to other directions as well.
Of course, we are a peaceful country. But in no case will this impede us from having properly and usefully trained and structured deterrence Armed Forces for the protection and defence of our sovereignty rights, as they are provided for explicitly by the International Law and, in particular, by the International Treaties.
Regarding the increase of the military service period:
No such discussion has been initiated.
Regarding the release of the two Greek officers:
Mr. Juncker did not simply make a wish, but he requested the two Greek officers to be immediately released before the Greek-Orthodox Easter. The Greek government has raised this issue at many levels, in Europe and on the other side of the Atlantic, and requests what should be self-evident, the two officers to return to Greece as soon as possible.
Regarding Turkey’s attitude:
For Greece, our sovereignty rights as specified by the International Law and International Treaties are clear. The most common characteristic of Turkey is its presence in the area of Cyprus EEZ, but Europe expressed a clear opinion on this matter too. Mr. Juncker and Mr. Tusk who represent the European Union expressed clear positions.
Regarding his relation with the Minister of National Defence P.Kammenos:
There is absolutely no tense in my cooperation with Minister Kammenos. Our cooperation is very good, exceptionally regular and there are no issues like the ones which some opposition or media groups would like to present. There are absolutely no issues. Our cooperation is excellent.
