«Tensions with Turkey are escalating and there’s an explanation for all this. Since the Prime Minister’s meeting with Mr. Erdoğan is approaching, this meeting is going to be about management rather than solutions. No one is ready, but channels must always be kept open, albeit with low expectations» emphasized New Democracy MP, Dimitris Avramópoulos, on Parapolitika 90.1 during the “On Air” show with journalist Niki Lyberaki.
«Greece has the potential to take initiatives, but outside the stereotypes of foreign policy. Of course, reality exists – we know how issues stand in our neighborhood, we perceive security matters differently than other EU countries, and I think we must continue in this direction where we primarily want dialogue with our neighbors. We must avoid at all costs a confrontation that would be harmful to everyone» he added at another point.
Dimitris Avramópoulos: His full interview on Parapolitika 90.1
D.AVRAMÓPOULOS: The world is heading toward a long period of harsh geopolitics. Fewer rules, more power that manifests itself in dangerous ways, more shocks – not necessarily toward a world war as one might think, but toward a permanent state of competition with wars, economic warfare, and technological energy weapons. The world is transforming and that’s where we need to see our country’s position.
D.AVRAMÓPOULOS: Europe unfortunately emerges weakened, doesn’t know how to handle this situation, and is also divided internally. Some believe that Europe’s salvation lies closer to the US, others believe in what I think is correct – that Europe should regain its autonomy. This can be realistic if the leaderships understand it.
D.AVRAMÓPOULOS: No more illusions – Europe must become a power and stop being a spectator.
D.AVRAMÓPOULOS: Europe is not taken seriously into account in geopolitical reshuffles, they don’t even ask for its input, it’s absent and it’s absent because it exercises a one-dimensional foreign policy. It has been greatly influenced by the stance of the Baltic countries, doesn’t see the big global picture unfolding before it. It has ceased to be even a rudimentary geopolitical power, it’s evolving and we hope it will endure as an economic power, but if its voice isn’t heard in this new world being created, what will its position be?
About Greece
D.AVRAMÓPOULOS: Greece has the potential to take initiatives, but outside the stereotypes of foreign policy. Of course, reality exists – we know how issues stand in our neighborhood, we perceive security matters differently than other EU countries, and I think we must continue in this direction where we primarily want dialogue with our neighbors. We must avoid at all costs a confrontation that would be harmful to everyone.
Asked if he estimates that tensions with Turkey are escalating
D.AVRAMÓPOULOS: Tensions with Turkey are escalating and there’s an explanation for all this. Since the Prime Minister’s meeting with Mr. Erdoğan is approaching, this meeting is going to be about management rather than solutions. No one is ready, but channels must always be kept open, albeit with low expectations.
About the Cyprus issue
D.AVRAMÓPOULOS: The Cyprus issue must at all costs find its way back toward resolution because it affects all other issues. It’s the “key” to Greek-Turkish positions as well as to settling maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.
