The Alternate Minister of National Defence Panagiotis Rigas gave the following interview to Cyprus News Agency and to the journalist Adamos Zahariadis:
1. Can Cyprus-Greece co-operations, in the context of a regional framework, ensure the unhindered implementation of the Republic of Cyprus energy program, taking also into consideration Ankara’s threats?
The respect of the International Law is the touchstone, on which steady friendly relations among countries are created. In a regional framework, Greece and Cyprus actively promote cooperations and participate in co-operations with other states; nowadays, a typical example is the trilateral
co-operation among Greece, Cyprus and Israel and among Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. Through this common strategic choice we have made, our national interests are secured and perspectives are created, to further enhance our geopolitical role in the wider Mediterranean region.
The risk of the energy planning of the Republic of Cyprus surpasses the limits of Cyprus financial interests, it concerns the European Union itself. Any obstacle regarding research and energy resources use, in the sea area of Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone, will constitute a strike with regard to Europe’s energy safety and I believe that the powers involved will not allow this to happen.
2. In a recent interview, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs implicated that during Exon Mobil drilling in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone, the U.S. Navy will be present in the area. Has an official request for such an assistance been submitted?
The Greek Government’s absolute support is obvious regarding Cyprus sovereign right to develop its Exclusive Economic Zone, in a way that Cyprus itself will choose, against any third country threat. I believe that the Turkish leaders will not act in a risky way, since this will not be for the benefit of this country, and their policy is oriented towards the European Union. The contradictions of the Turkish side which claims, on one hand, that the Republic of Cyprus, being an island, possesses limited rights regarding the exploitation of its sea area, and presents itself, on the other hand, as a defender of Turks-Cypriots’ rights in the same sea area, cannot be covered under blustering. Furthermore, other countries, like the U.S.A., France and other states, have stated their active support, regarding the unhindered development of the Republic of Cyprus energy resources. U.S. Navy ships are almost constantly present in the Eastern Mediterranean, due to the U.S.A. increased geostrategic interest in the wider area. Whether this presence is related to the issue of drilling is not something I can state, however, there has not been any official assistance request.
3. The presence of the Hellenic Air Force in the recent celebrations of the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus caused the reaction of Cyprus opposition. What did this action aimed at?
Every year, the Hellenic Armed Forces participate in the parade for the celebration of the Republic of Cyprus Independence Day, with various military assets; the Greek Minister of National Defence also attends the parade every year. In no circumstances does the presence of Greek fighter aircraft in a celebration taking place in Cyprus is a provocation factor – all the more so, it does not constitute an aggressive action – nor does it deteriorate the relations and the efforts to solve the Cyprus issue.
4. In case the Prespes Agreement fails, is there an alternative plan on behalf of Greece? Is there a perspective to sign a defence treaty in the Balkans, as Mr. Kammenos suggested?
In a time period of promoting a specific, agreed framework to solve a long lasting problem with international implications – a plan that resulted after hard and persistent negotiations – I do not consider productive to speak about an ‘alternative plan’. There is no possibility for the agreement signed at Prespes lakes to fail; the Hellenic government remains devoted to its implementation. What matters is to proceed with the next stages, that is the amendment of the neighboring country’s Constitution and – if this is completed – the presentation of the agreement to the Hellenic Parliament for ratification. This is the decisive moment for everyone.
5. Given the disagreements between SYRIZA and the INDEPENDENT GREEKS regarding the Macedonia issue, do you consider the possibility of the government asking for a confidence vote in the course of time? If so, which political parties can you co-operate with, beyond the INDEPENDENT GREEKS?
In the last three years and beyond that, the opposition, and especially the New Democracy Party, has this dream that somehow the government will lose the parliamentary majority and will collapse. I consider this discussion has nothing to offer anymore; on the occasion of the Macedonia issue, a vote of no confidence vote was already conducted in the Parliament last June, which resulted in 126 votes. At a time of important issues remaining open, like the reconstruction of the Greek economy, the first growth steps after the MOU austerity ends, and the collision with the ever lasting, strong corruption system of the country, I have the feeling that this discussion disorientates. Besides, the Prime Minister himself has stated his belief that there is a governmental majority for the ratification of the Prespes Agreement and for the completion of the government’s constitutional term.
