Journalist: Alexandra Fotaki

Link (in Greek):https://www.in.gr/2023/01/22/politics/politiki-grammateia/presvis-tourkias-oi-sxeseis-mas-tha-anakampsoun-meta-tis-ekloges/

"-You are leaving Athens after four years and one month. Looking back, did you achieve the goals you had set when you arrived?

It was quite a bumpy ride - not really what I had in mind when I first landed in Athens Airport. But then we have a saying in Turkish – the guest will enjoy what is served to him by the host - not what he was dreaming of.

- During your time as Ambassador in Athens you have experienced the whole course of deteriorating Greek-Turkish relations. And the attempts for de-escalation. Are Greece and Türkiye prepared to move on to solutions and compromises?

Our bilateral relationship is always..dynamic..let’s say. But on the bright side, ups usually follow downs. Since we have been a bit down lately, I would expect things to pick up after the elections.

- Do you think it is possible for Greece and Türkiye to return to the dialogue table and on which basis?

Of course. Not only it is possible, but it is necessary and I dare say even inevitable. How else are we going to solve our problems? Do you really think somebody else will do that for us? You heard me say this a million times – we sit down and solve what we can, then apply to some sort of dispute settlement mechanism or authority, such as an international court. Such a solution will involve law, good neighborliness, and common sense.

- We see Türkiye’s policy towards Greece hardening and a rhetoric of threats being maintained. Is the fear of a "hot episode" or an "accident" realistic? Is the tension in relations between the two countries linked to the elections or is it a political choice?

I wouldn’t say that our policy towards Greece is hardening. We are just tired of not being heard. If anything, I would say that our positions regarding maritime and airspace law, demilitarization etc are quite consistent. We will be as loud as necessary to get our point across.

- Türkiye opposes the extension of Greece's territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea and east of Crete. Will there also be a reaction to a possible extension south of Crete?

Türkiye’s position is very clear about the extension of territorial waters in the Aegean Sea. In semi-enclosed seas, the width of the territorial waters cannot be determined unilaterally. That makes total sense, since the exercise of a right cannot infringe on the rights of others. That is what the law says, too. Türkiye and Greece, as the two littoral states, have legitimate rights and interests in the Aegean Sea. So, any acquisition of new maritime areas should be based on mutual consent and should be fair and equitable. Extending the limits of Greek territorial waters to 12 nm will clearly hinder Türkiye’s vital rights and interests.

- Is the strengthening of relations between Greece and the USA a "threat" for Türkiye?

Why should it be? I could ask you the same question in reverse.

- Can the Lebanon-Israel agreement become a model for solutions between Greece and Türkiye and Cyprus and Türkiye? Under what conditions?

Of course, every dispute is different. But still, that agreement sets a good example for the region and in particular for the Turkish and Greek Cypriots.If those countries could reach a solution, why can’t the spirit be replicated?In fact, the TRNC made a cooperation proposal to the Greek Cypriots based on a joint development approach, similar to which was envisaged in the Lebanon-Israel agreement.

- Can the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine impose solutions?

Diplomatic solutions can be reached not by imposition but mutual respect. The energy crisis can definitely encourage practical solutions to problems that previously seemed inextricable. However, these problems seem complex not because of their nature but because of their interpretation by some parties. Türkiye is open to cooperation in the field of energy, both bilaterally with Greece and also for regional projects. It has been the case before the war as well. As I mentioned before, “cooperation” is not a scary word, despite what some people in Greece claim.

- Your successor arrives in Athens at a difficult time for Greek-Turkish relations. What advice would you give him? What should Athens expect from him?

My successor Ambassador Erciyes is one of most experienced Turkish diplomats as regards maritime law and Turkish-Greek relations. He was the Director General responsible for bilateral relations as well as maritime and aviation issues in Ankara. So, he knows very well the current climate and what to expect in Athens. As such, he doesn’t need much advice from me!

- What do you wish for as you leave Athens?

I’m pretty sure there is nothing left unsaid under the sun on Turkish-Greek relations. But if I had to take a parting shot, I would say more cooperation, less confrontation, please!

No matter what, at the end of the day, we will continue to be people of the neighborhood. So let’s start acting like neighbors."