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David Dondua Kyriakos Kenevezos Fadey Charchoghlyan ambassador ambassador ambassador of the of georgia of Cyprus armenian republic Democracy, Greece's Discussions in Geneva U.S.A. restores heritage proved successful historical justice CONTENTS 46-49 KostasFragogiannis in a Wider Context 59-60 AmbassadorofGeorgia Economic Diplomacy acquires DavidDondua is deserving place in the Greek 53 KostasIfantis Our ancestors import - political mainstream Democracy in the breaking? ed from Greece knowledge and wis - 50-51 AmbassadoroftheArmenian 54 DemetriDollis dom for centuries RepublicFadeyCharchoghlyan Why the Mitsotakis visit to Libya Greece is one of our major part - is a game changer 60-61 DimitriosTsailas ners in Europe Areas to Improve Greek Deterrent 55-57 RoudiBaroudi Power 50 AndreasLoverdos East Mediterranean Cyprus dispute: 2021 Maritime Borders 62 IoannaDretta Tourism is Greece's 51-52 DimitriosTriantaphyllou 58 GeorgePrevelakis Soft Power Placing Greek-Turkish Relations A new role for the O.E.C.D. n

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44 editorial By Pantelis Maravelias Greece in the middle of the U.S.-Turkey crisis

hereisaconstant as to how far it will go, and changeofbalance on whether TayyipErdogan will T the International chess - show some signs of compli - board. The violence of the last ance to the directives of Joe days in East Jerusalem within Baiden . However, until now the period of the Muslim Ra - the indications are not encour - madan, proves once more how aging. difficult and fragile remains ThePresidentofTurkey, our region. after20years of complete dom - Theexclusiveinterview of inance wants to leave the ideo - the Deputy Minister of Foreign logical legacy of the great leader, Affairs KostasFragogiannis much more now with the up - on the significant place of Eco - coming anniversary of establish - nomic Diplomacy and the ac - ment of the Turkish Republic in tions supporting the outward 2023. However, the question re - trend of the Greek economy, mains open as to what extend juxtaposes over the general Greece always reads correctly pessimistic climate the endeavors of Greece position sets up and undermines the future the statements and moves of the Turks. to find its stepping back toward the recov - itself of the Turkish-Cypriots” he states, Therecognition of the Armenian ery of social and economic normality. and describes the reasons. Genocide, certainly has deteriorated the re - Undoubtedly, the live broadcast of Asthemarketisopening and the lations and it is of interest to have a look the controversy between the two Foreign government is searching for ways to at the interview of the Ambassador of the Ministers of Greece and Turkey goes raise the morale of the citizens and the Armenian Republic in Greece, Mr. Fadey down in the history of our bilateral rela - Charchoghlyan, who mentions that this ac - tions as it is now a fact that neither side tion by the President of the U.S.A. is the can question that this was a dialogue that The revision of the U.S. confirmation of Historical Justice. This didn’t take place behind closed doors, or policy against Ankara“ remains provides them with serious grounds, so in exploratory talks. There was criticism “ that the historical fact of the Armenian as to what extend the motives of the Min - to be seen as to how Genocide can be recognized and con - ister of Foreign Affairs were personal and far it will go demned by as many countries as possible, whether he was indeed in collusion with as well as it gives serious grounds that the the Prime Minister in order to raise the United States can utilize their international tones inside Ankara. The tension climate economy after the pandemic, the Deputy role, their gravity and their capabilities to affected the talks on the Cyprus issue as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kostas force Turkey, until the latter proceeds with these are analyzed in the pages of GR Fragogiannis speaks exclusively about the recognition that will finally restore His - Diplomatic Review. the next steps. torical Justice. Inhisexclusiveinterview , the Am - Havingtaken over the portfolio of The26thofMay marks the comple - bassador of Cyprus in Greece, Mr. Kyri - Economic Diplomacy in the Ministry of tion of the thirtieth anniversary of the akos Kenevezos, explains why he is not Foreign Affairs, he explains an ambitious restoration of the independence of Georgia satisfied with the developments and why plan with an integrated program of actions from the Soviet Union, and the Ambassa - he considers the informal meeting about of specific policy and target setting. dor of Georgia in Greece, Mr. David Don - Cyprus, which was held in Geneva, as a Inthisissue we are also concentrating dua speaks exclusively to the GR successful meeting. “At the same time in the future of the U.S.-Turkish relations, Diplomatic Review about the Greco-Geor - though there can be no one who would which cause severe concerns to the inter - gian bonds “lost” in the depths of history have expected a different outcome with national analysts. The revision of the U.S. and about the democracy that the entire hu - “such” a Turkey. A Turkey, which, with its policy against Ankara remains to be seen manity inherited from Greece. n

45 Economic Diplomacy acquires its deserving place in the Greek political mainstream The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. KostasFragogiannis , in charge for Economic Diplomacy and Openness, speaks to the GR Diplo - matic Review about the concrete actions that support the extroversion of the Greek economy and utilizes the basic principles of the project

By Ms Alexia Tasouli useful and an effective tool for the achieve - Affairs: the former is fighting to realize his ment of goals. He is now explaining to us vision for a different type of Greece with heDeputyMinisterofForeignAf - why, before we start the actual interview: the main axis being entrepreneurship and fairsincharge of the economic extroversion, while the latter implemented T diplomacy and extroversion (out - “Havingtakenovertheportfolioof with resolve the reform of the structures ward perspective), Mr. Kostas Fragogian - EconomicDiplomacyintheMinistryof within the Ministry by the voting of his nis took over a portfolio that he adjusted to ForeignAffairs, I am trying to implement Organogram, which brought about changes his own philosophy, as he learned it from an ambitious plan through an integrated in our way that we operate. the mainstream competitive market, which program of actions of a specific policy and he has served successfully for years before target setting. At this point I must point out Specifically, I am referring to the bold accepting the proposal of Mr. Kyriakos the instrumental contribution of the prime decision to transfer all of the competencies Mitsotakis to participate in his cabinet. Be - minister Mr. KyriakosMitsotakis and of of the international economic relations to sides, Diplomacy for him is particularly Mr. Nikos Dendias the Minister of Foreign the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that is of

46 the Enterprise Greece (i.e., the competent reinforcement of our services” litical mainstream. This specific magazine state agency to attract investments and pro - is rolling out with a material focused on is - mote exports), of OAEP (Organization of Whatchangeshaveyoumadein sues of diplomatic interest and I am espe - Insurance for Export Credits), as well as all yourpolicyinordertoadjustthe cially happy for this initiative of yours. of the structures involving our bilateral and economicdiplomacytotherestric - Youknow, for several years we were multi-lateral relations international rela - tionsimposedbythepandemic? associating ‘diplomacy’ with a somewhat tions. Beforewestarttheinterview , I would negative connotation. Besides, two out of AttheMinistryofForeignAffairs , the three definitions that appear in the we have designed jointly with the General Greek Wikipedia about the word ‘diplo - Secretariat of International Economic Re - The National Plan for mat’ are partly negative. Even now, for lations specific actions supporting the out - Recovery and Durability ‘Greece many people the diplomat is a “person who ward perspective of the Greek economy “ knows how to maneuver, […] skillfully and utilize the key principles of the plan. 2.0’ presented by the Prime and possibly cunningly, […] the smooth

We have launched a campaign to support Minister shall constitute the road operator [who] can hustle you”. the Greek businesses abroad on the basis map for the reformation of our Now, to answer your question, we did of the triptych: (a) highlighting the coun - “ not lose any time whatsoever at the Min - try’s economic and trade position at a re - country for the following decades istry of Foreign Affairs from the start of the gional and international level, (b) and it is a significant structural pandemic. Simply, the procedures of digi - highlighting the extroversion structures, restart for our homeland tal transformations that we had already and (c) empowerment of our multi-lateral started were significantly accelerated. With relations. Parallel to this, using an exten - the digital meetings and interfaces, we sive plan of digital integration, we are con - like at first to congratulate you for the issue managed to rescue most of the events that necting all of the extroversion services of the new magazine GR Diplomatic Re - we had planned. Some actions, such as our with modern tools of cyber governance, view. As you can understand, for me the visit to the island of Astypalaia, which while following the voting of a new min - Economic Diplomacy is one of my favorite were necessary to be done live, were made istry organogram, we move forward with terms, and I am glad that I see it acquire the with great caution and in observance of all all of the necessary reform changes in the place that it deserves within the Greek po - sanitary protocols. s

47 Thecutthatthepandemic imposed stitute the road map for the reformation of bilize significant forces by reinforcing pri - on the global economy was proven at the our country for the following decades and vate investments and using collaborations same time to be a “crisis”, but also an “op - it is a significant structural restart for our between the public and private sector. The portunity”. And as it is well known, the homeland. The primary target of the plan objective is that the next day of the health successful handling of a “crisis” makes is to cover a great void in investments, in crisis can offer competitiveness that will you stronger, while the decisive exploita - national product (GDP), and in employ - ensure the fact that Greece shall remain an tion of the “opportunity” robust". actually attractive destination for invest - ments. Throughouttime , the cut that the pan - As neighboring countries, ThereformoftheEconomicDiplo - demic imposed on the global economy was we have all types of interest to macy in the ministry of Foreign affairs has proven at the same time to be a “crisis”, but “ already begun. A significant work is in an also an “opportunity”. And as it is well promote this collaboration, implementation course, while new per - known, the successful handling of a “cri - presented a series of proposals spectives are opening. The following pe - sis” makes you stronger, while the decisive regarding the promoti“ on of our riod starting upon the end of the quarantine exploitation of the “opportunity” robust. In shall constitute a field for intensive work. the case of Greece, we actually com - bilateral economicand trade pressed large time intervals of digital trans - collaboration RecentlyyouescortedtheMinis - formation within a few months. Greece terofForeignAffairstoTurkey. will obviously be the winner, as much in Whatarethebasicpointsinthecol - relation to a more effective function of the ment with the focus on competitiveness, laborationofthetwocountriesinthe public sector, as also in relation with the extroversion, and digital integration. The economicsector? improvement in the life of our citizens. investment-friendly policy of the govern - Asyouknow , during our recent visit ment, as of July 2019, created a radical in Ankara, the Greek side presented a se - Whatarethekeypointsofthe change on the country image in the inter - ries of proposals regarding the promotion NationalPlanforRecoveryand national community despite the attack of of our bilateral economic and trade collab - Durability“Greece2.0”? the pandemic. oration. TheNationalPlanforRecovery and Durability ‘Greece 2.0’ presented by the TheNationalPlanforRecovery and Asneighboringcountries , we have all Prime Minister a few weeks ago shall con - Durability “Greece 2.0” is intended to mo - types of interest to promote this collabora -

48 tion, as it has a direct positive impact on with the pharmaceutical developments. ted itself to explore the creation of plant to entrepreneurship and on trans-border trade. Microsofthasproceeded with the ini - manufacture electric cars in Greece (ini - In this context, the collaborations sector is tiative “GR for Growth”, a magnanimous tially 30.000 annually, with a maximum focused, among other things, in the reacti - scheme that includes the development of production being 45.000), while it is esti - vation of several joint committees and new data centers and the selection of mated that 1.000 direct and up to 5.000 in - work groups with a view to the reinforce - Greece as a Microsoft Cloud region. This direct jobs will be created. is the greatest investment that the company Theseareonly a few of the emblem - has made in its 28 years of presence in our atic investments implemented or planned

Greece is established in the country, which it committed itself in facil - in our country. As you can understand, this itating the digital transformation of the investment action can operate only posi - ““entrepreneurial co“ nsciousness” country, offering skills development pro - tively, since Greece is established in the of every one as an attractive grams for 100.000 employees in the public “entrepreneurial consciousness” of every destination and private sector. one as an attractive destination. CISCOisalreadyrunning the “Inter - Whatisthekeydisadvantageof national Center of Digital Transformation thecountrywhichthroughouttime ment and facilitation of trans-border trade and Digital Skills” in the city of Thessa - hindersitfrombeinganeffective (by road, railroad and by sea), the collabo - loniki in the building of the old Municipal poletoattractinvestors? ration in the tourism sector, the environ - Slaughterhouses and accepts daily associ - Duringthisperiod , we are a pole of ment, telecommunications, as well as the ates, representatives of company’s sand attraction for investors and this is demon - general business collaboration. Our pro - public agencies who can actually see the strated with all that I mentioned above. posals are not bringing anything new in the solutions leading toward the digital trans - Don’t forget that the investment made at agenda of our bilateral economic and trade formation. Hellenikon constitutes the largest invest - relations, but they are targeted into giving ment of urban regeneration in Europe. It is a new push on “low politics” issues in a di - Intheendof2020 , we achieved the true though that there are certain factors rect, nevertheless, positive impact to the signing of the MoU (Memorandum of Un - that contribute to the making of investment citizens of the two countries. derstanding) between the Greek govern - decisions that could be even more positive. ment and Volkswagen with a view to the The taxes for example, despite the reduc - Howwouldyoudescribetheeco - creation of the first ‘green’ and ‘smart’ is - tions that this government introduced nomicrelationswithmajorpartners land in the Mediterranean with absolute (from 29% for the companies to 23%, and suchastheU.S.A.andGermany? energy autonomy. The project includes the from 15% to 5% in the returns of shares), I find your question to be particularly gradual replacement of the conventional remains high if compared to some of our interesting, since the United States of vehicles in Astypalaia with electric ones, neighboring countries. There is still a lot America are the global dominant power, the introduction of innovative transit and of red tape and slow procedures, although while Germany plays a decisive role in the transportation services, as well as the en - recently our classification in the interna - European Union. Both are for us important tional indices of these parameters has im - allies and trade partners in the framework proved significantly. of NATO as well as of the European There is still a lot of red tape

Union. Let’sclosethisinterview by concen - and slow procedures, although

“ trating on the advantages of the country as Alreadyfromlastyear , during peri - recently our classification in the in investment destination, and these are ods of hard quarantine, in fact, we moved international indices o“ f these quite a lot. We are a market to be counted forward with investment agreement of em - numbering 10 million consumers that of - blematic character with projects which parameters has improved fers access to the 350 million consumers shall leave a footprint on the country for significantly of the European Union. There is political several decades and advertise Greece in the stability, let’s not forget that we are the first global investment community. single-party government in the Parliament ergy production from Renewable Energy with a majority in the last decade. Our Let’sbeginwiththeUSgiantcorpo - Sources. We are already in the implemen - human resources are excellent, while now rationslikePfizer , Microsoft and CISCO tation phase and we are working hard with we receive the investments in a different which went ahead with major investments. the company, the Municipality of manner than in the past. We offer several Pfizer, the American pharmaceutical indus - Astypalaia , but also the other four co- motives to investors and we do a lot in try that was the first to roll out the vaccine competent ministries for a project that is order to facilitate their work. Finally, the against the corona virus in Greece, has al - unique and pioneering. quality of life in Greece, which is associ - ready set in operation a new hyper-center Also,theGermancompany, West - ated with our culture, the great weather and of services in Thessaloniki, which joints the wego Mobile SE, the only independent in - the great beauty of the country are selec - innovations centers of the company all over dustry for the production of electric tion factors of the country not only for va - the world, by matching digital solutions vehicles with a battery in Europe, commit - cations, but also for investments. n

49 Greece is one of the major partners in Europe Historical justice the decision of U.S.A.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Greece Mr. FadeyCharchoghlyan speaks exclusively among other things about the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States of America, which as he points out, he had been expecting.

By Alexia Tasouli

heArmenianGenocidehasbeenrecognizedandcon - demnedbyabout30countriesamongthem - Argentina, T Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Paraguay, Romania, Russia, Syria, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, France as well as reputable International Organizations.

Howwouldyoudescribethediplomaticrelationsbe - tweenArmeniaandGreece? GreeceisoneofArmenia's key partners in Europe and Ar - menia attaches great importance to its partnership with Greece and makes efforts aimed at broadening and deepening of this partnership. Duetotheepidemiccrisis , the Armenian-Greek bilateral re - lations have been carried out in a state of emergency for the past year and a half, and the hostilities on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the war unleashed by the Azerbaijani-Turkish alliance on September 27 have had an impact on Armenian-Greek relations. A number of agreements reached during the year - high-level bi - lateral reciprocal visits and other events - were postponed, but it RecognitionoftheArmenianGenocide means recognition is especially commendable that the brotherly people of tradition - of the crime against humanity. We are convinced that one of the ally friendly to Armenia Greece, in these difficult times for them tools to prevent genocides and genocidal policies is recognition too, express good will to support Armenia unconditionally and this and condemnation. is something for which the Armenian people are deeply grateful. Itshouldbenoted that resolutions condemning the Armenian Genocide were adopted in 2019 by the US House of Representa - WasthedecisionofthePresidentoftheUnitedStates tives, Senate. torecognizetheArmenianGenocideexpectedforyou? TherecognitionoftheArmenianGenocide by the United Yes,weexpectedit, because the recognition and condemna - States of America is a much-needed message to the international tion of the Armenian Genocide is a universal issue. community that reaffirms the supremacy of human rights and val - Unlike all United States Presidents, the incumbent President, ues in international relations. Joseph Biden in his message on April 24th, for the first time, in - Fromthatpointofview , it is an encouraging and inspiring stead of the term "Great Massacre" used the phrase "Armenian example for all those who want to build a just, tolerant interna - Genocide", calling thus, the massive atrocities that took place al - tional society together. most a century ago against the Armenian people in the Ottoman RecognitionoftheArmenianGenocide is important not only Empire with their real name - Genocide. in order to pay tribute to a half million innocent victims, but also Inouropinion, this step of the President of the United States to prevent the recurrence of similar crimes. The recognition for the is, first and foremost, the confirmation of historical justice. Republic of Armenia is a matter of historical truth and justice, and Thisgivesusasolidbasis in order the historical fact of the Ar - security, especially in the light of the events that took place in our menian Genocide to be recognized and condemned by as many coun - region last year. tries as possible, as well as solid basis for the United States to use its ThecrimescommittedbytheTurkish-Azeri alliance during international role, significance and its capabilities to pressure Turkey the second war in Artsakh remained unanswered and one of the to go to recognition, which will finally restore historical justice. reasons is that the world as a whole has not yet condemned the Ar -

50 menian Genocide. I believe that the condemnation of the Armenian Genocide would help to a certain extent in order the world would have paid more attention to the aggressive and violent policy of Turkey and Azerbaijan during the second Artsakh war. This ag - gressive, violent policy of Turkey during the recent years is a typ - ical of the provocative and dangerous behavior of Turkey in a number of regions. Ankara's actions even today perceived as a "source of expanding instability" in the Eastern Mediterranean and the South Caucasus. RegardingrelationswithTurkey , Turkey is carrying out hos - tile and aggressive policy towards Armenia since the restoration of Armenia's Independence in 1991. Turkey refused to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia, closed its borders and is pur - suing a growing hostile policy against Armenia. Moreover, Turkey sive, expansionist policy in its neighboring regions, reaffirms Ar - is directly involved in Azerbaijan's attack on the people of menia's unconditional support and solidarity with Greece and Nagorno-Karabakh, sending thousands of armed terrorists to our Cyprus. region every day. OnOctober16,2020 , the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Nikos Dendias, paid a working visit to Ar - Apartfromtheeconomicsector,inwhichothersector menia. hasmovedforwardthecollaborationofthetwocountries? Asfromthebeginning of the hostilities on the Armenia-Azer - Thecooperationbetweenthetwocountriesaredeveloping baijani border in July, as well as from the very first assault of the dynamically , including political, defense, trade, educational, sci - Azerbaijani side on the Artsakh-Azerbaijani contact line on Sep - entific, cultural, tourism and other areas of mutual interest. There tember 27, many Greek officials, parliamentarians, politicians, in - is a solid legal framework between the two countries. tellectuals and ordinary citizens who were concerned about the The Armenian-Greek Intergovernmental Commission on Eco - hostilities, expressed their support and sympathy to the people of nomic, Industrial, Technical and Scientific Cooperation is func - Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and condemned the Azeri-Turk - tioning effectively. Political consultations between the Ministries ish aggression, calling and visiting the Embassy. of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Greece are also regular. There are Parliamentary Friendship Groups in the parliaments of the two HowdoyouassessthedevelopmentofGreek-Turkish countries. relations? Thecooperationininternationalfora as well as in the frame - ThetenseGreek-Turkish relations and many issues still re - work of multilateral dimensions holds an important place in Ar - main pending - such as the actions related to the management of menian-Greek relations. Both, Armenia and Greece, to a large energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, the drilling opera - extent, have common approaches around many issues of the inter - tions carried out by Turkey in the Exclusive Economic Zone of national agenda. Cyprus and refugee issues. ArmeniaalsoappreciatesGreece active role in strengthening Itisobviousthattheconflict in the Eastern Mediterranean Armenia - EU relations and Armenia - NATO dialogue, including has already turned into a Turkey-EU issue and the ongoing tactics cooperation in the field of peacekeeping. of Brussels can not yet change the situation. The EU openly calls OnJuly7,2020 , the Greek Parliament ratified the European for a rule of law in Turkey, while recognizing the need to cooperate Union-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agree - with Ankara in areas of mutual interest. ment, which is a new legal basis for Armenia's relations with the Thecurrenteconomic downturn associated with COVID, EU and the Member States. combined with a sharp drop in global oil and gas demand, has al - Besidesbilateralrelations , the positive prospects are also out - ready led to delays in major energy projects in the region. lined on the agenda of Armenia-Cyprus-Greece trilateral cooper - TensionsbetweenNATO members (Turkey-France) or NATO ation. allies (UAE, Egypt, Israel) in the Middle East in 2020, as well as OnJune4,2019 in Nicosia was held the first trilateral meeting Ankara's approach in Libya, suggest that Turkey's aggressive strat - of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Greece and Cyprus, egy is aimed at increasing its military presence in the region. For as a result of which was adopted a Joint Statement. its part, Athens expects more tangible support from NATO. Thesecondtrilateralmeeting of the Foreign Ministers took place on September 25, 2019 in New York, within the framework Itshouldbenotedthatsincethebeginningoftheyear, of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Turkeyhasrepeatedlyviolatedandcontinuestoviolate ThefirstArmenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral summit was sched - Greekairspace,aswellastoenterGreekterritorialwaters. uled to take place in Armenia, but was postponed due to the pandemic Reviewingandsummarizing the latest developments in the re - crisis, but it is on the political agenda of the three countries. gion and in this context the Greek-Turkish relations, it is clear that OnAugust15,2020 , in the context of the escalating Greek- the competition between the main actors of the Cold War, the super - Turkish conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Armenian For - powers, in the region, is to acquire the strategic, energy, trade, eco - eign Ministry issued a statement saying that this destabilizing nomic advantage over the geostrategic corridors of the region, which n stance in the Eastern Mediterranean demonstrates Turkey's aggres - has a direct impact on the current Greek-Turkish relations. 51 Cyprus dispute: 2021 Greece must insist on the solutions coming out of the UN Resolutions By Andreas Loverdos Finally,intheQuintetofApril , are balanced in federations. This balance MP, PASOK - the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides was gradually achieved during the cen - Kinima Allagis put forward the proposal of partition. turies of operation of the federal regimes, former Minister The Turkish Cypriots demanded recog - and thus both Democracy and efficiency nition of the pseudo-state, which means coexist in them. riortotheelectionsintheoc - the de jure recognition of the partition, TheTurkishandTurkish Cypriot cupiedpartofCyprus , Turkish while the Turkish Foreign Minister sup - sides, however, no longer make mention P Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar spoke ported in his statements the position of of a federation. The Turkish Cypriots openly about partition, namely, about the political equality of the two com - demanded in Geneva their recognition the two-State solution. President Erdogan munities. The Turkish Cypriot side and as a state, that is, they distanced them - repeated this proposal during his visit to the Greek Cypriot one. selves in the most official way from the the occupied territories of Cyprus. After solution promoted by the UN, whilst

Tatar's victory, the two-State proposal Turkey, under the heading of political was formalized. Surprisingly, the Greek Τhe two-State solution equality, talks openly about a confeder - side did not react strongly to the direct represents a partition.The s“ hell ation. However, both versions mean in violation of the UN resolutions, both of “of a confederation does not practice the partition of Cyprus. the Security Council and its General As - Undernocircumstances should sembly. The solution that would be based negate this partition Greece accept such a "solution". Now on the bi-zonal bi-communal federation that the Erdogan regime is declining, now was rejected by the Turkish Cypriots Thefollowingcomment is useful that Biden’s US administration does not and the Turks, while the Republic of regarding this last view: in federal regimes forgive Turkey for regional power games Cyprus and Greece too were not quick the political equality of states, of govern - through the Moscow-Ankara-Tehran axis, to denounce the new violation of the ments, namely, of the individual subjects now that Turkey's game in the Middle UN resolutions. The thought that the of the supreme federal power, is a given. East has led it to isolation, Greece must Turkish side would not officially support And it is expressed through their equal insist on the solutions coming out of the the policy of partition in the Quintet of representation in the second legislature, UN Resolutions. To the extent that the April provides perhaps an explanation that is, in the Senate or whatever its name status of the guarantor country is still of the Greek stance, which means that may be in the various federal regimes, for of both Greeks and Greek Cypriots. example that of Germany, the USA, Austria, Under no circumstances Ialreadymentioned that the two- etc. However, this political equality does State solution represents a partition. The not mean the absolute lapse of the demo - should Greece accept such a shell of a confederation does not negate cratic principle. The majority is a necessary “"solution" Greece must insist on this partition, whatever its individual condition for a state's democratic compo - arrangements may be. As is well known, the solutions coming out of the UN sition and this is ensured through free par - “ the cohesive elements of confederate liamentary elections, which designate the Resolutions. We must insist firmly states do not reach the point of creating Government in the parliamentary system, on the solution of the bi-zonal-bi- a single state, namely, a state in which or the President of the Republic in the communal federation an overarching political will operates. presidential and semi-presidential system. On the contrary, there is an overarching Inotherwords , political equality political will in federations. Foreign in a federal state does not negate the maintained (and wrongly, because the Re - policy and defense are the most notable democratic principle. It simply ensures public of Cyprus is an EU member state) cases highlighting this overarching po - a relative autonomy of the subjective in Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom, litical will, namely, the federal power. A wills of the states, expressed in the we must insist firmly on the solution of historical point is also useful for under - second legislature, as well as in the re - the bi-zonal-bi-communal federation, ac - standing the difference between a con - tention of competences in serious matters, cepting as a basis for opening negotiations federation and a federation: the confed - such as education, which however do the Gutiérrez points, the Christofias-Eroğlu erations either gradually evolved into not belong to the hard core of state au - positions or the resolutions of the UN Se - federations, e.g. the USA, or disintegrated, thority. Therefore, equality and equiva - curity Council themselves, as proposed e.g. the recent Russian one. There is no lence of the will of the people, as well before the Geneva Quintet by President living confederal model today. as the equality of the individual states N. Anastasiadis. n

52 Placing Greek-Turkish Relations in a Wider Context

By Dimitrios Triantaphyllou InjuxtapositiontothecasesofSyriaandLibya or other Professor of International Relations conflict zones in the European Union’s Southern neighborhood Kadir Has University - Istanbul such as the Sahel, the role of the EU is at the core of the chal - Member of the Greek-Turkish Forum lenges in the Eastern Mediterranean. The nature of Turkey’s re - lationship with the European Union fundamentally complicates the trust-building process given the former’s status as a candidate heneedtochampiondiplomacyintheEasternMediter - state. This both binds the EU and Turkey to a more normative raneanandtheAegeanisagiven . This has always been and comprehensive relationship than with other neighboring T the case, even during the Cold War years since the two pri - countries as well as creates friction given Turkey’s regional mary NATO member states in the Alliance’s power status and potential. Southern Flank, Greece and Turkey, have been at odds with each other divided over a The nature of Turkey’s Inordertoeffectivelyhope to improve growing number of issues in their respective

relationship with the European the relationship between the EU and lebensraums with repercussions regarding “ Turkey, it is important to recognize that a sovereign rights and, even, sovereignty in Union fundamentally complicates multifaceted phase of strategic realignment certain cases. While the Cold War dynamics the trust-building process“ given is underway both within countries and be - implied the maintenance of a modicum of tween them. Everything is currently in flux uneasy peace as the Soviet threat was real; the former’s status as be it in terms of US foreign policy priori - the post-Cold War era has not necessarily a candidate state ties, US-EU relations, US-Turkey relations, been marked by some sort of consensus in EU-Turkey relations, EU foreign policy, part due to its unstable nature and the evi - etc. This fluidity further extends, inter alia, dent shift away from a multilateral to a multipolar world. As to the interactions between Russia and the West, the UK’s post- such, the current reality shows that the region is a long way from Brexit relationship with the EU and the United States, China’s long-term stable confidence- and trust-building mechanisms growing influence, the ramifications of the existentialist threats given the extended nature of the current crisis among many of of climate change and pandemics. This liquid world context has the Eastern Mediterranean stakeholders, whether regional or considerable ramifications for the Aegean and Eastern Mediter - s extra-regional. ranean and, by extension the current and future state of relations

53 between the European Union and Turkey, and consequently be - between the European Council and the European Parliament and tween Greece and Turkey, where in the absence of the levers or serious doubts as to whether its relevance can have an impact on the checks provided by the accession process, gridlock and un - the hearts and minds of Europe’s citizens. certainty on how to move forward is evident. Thebilateralrelationship between Greece and Turkey cannot InthisnewGeopoliticalAge , the role of the United States, be seen or dealt with in isolation from the EU-Turkey relationship and in particular that of the Biden Administration, in the region or even the Washington-Ankara tandem". is also of relevance because it reflects an attempt to turn the ta - bles on the transactionalism of the region’s stakeholders by en - Furthermore,today’s complex polycentric world com - suring that the parameters of the relations between the region’s pounded by inter Alliance ruptures, strategic drifts, and foreign states, in particular Greece and Turkey, will be established by malign influences is also further connected Washington in its quest to reinforce its re - with the emergence of linkages that were gional strategic interests as part of its global not as striking previously. The growing arc This liquid world context has national security priorities. In other words, of connectivity between the Black Sea Re - considerable ramifications for the the role of the United States as a balancer gion, the Aegean Sea, both the Eastern and “Aegean and Eastern is one that transcends the Atlantic Alliance, Central Mediterranean, and the Gulf is evi - in that it aims to ensure that it has access to dence of a changing geopolitical context Mediterranean and, by extension physical assets in the region both for the which implies that the bilateral relationship the current and future state of sake of keeping the calm there as well as between Greece and Turkey cannot be seen relations between the European for countering the Russian influence in the or dealt with in isolation from the EU- Black Sea Region, the Middle East, and the Turkey relationship or even the Washing - Union and Turkey, an“ d Central Mediterranean. ton-Ankara tandem. consequently between Greece and Turkey WhenitcomestoTurkey , an EU can - Infact,fromanEUpointofview , two didate state which increasingly does not act important perspectives or options stand out, like one, its behavior could to a great ex - with reference to its relations with Turkey. The first, accounting tent be explained by the fact that it is also affected by systemic for the divergences between member states, attempts to make do change and its interpretation of its impact on its national secu - without a fundamental rethink of the relations between the two rity. Perennially seeing itself as an outlier, both in geographic sides. The second reflects on a paradigmatic reconsideration of the and normative terms, Turkey is seeking, within the purview of relationship, which is predicated institutionally on the accession the self-help doctrine, to rationalize its power via the develop - process, but is fundamentally frozen, if not irretrievably damaged. ment and practice of more autonomous action and foreign poli - In fact, even if Turkey’s accession process were for some reason cymaking. Ankara, rightly or wrongly, is evermore convinced to begin to move forward, it would still need that the West – institutionally represented some tinkering to allow for the dynamics of by NATO, the EU, and the presence of the the current state of play in the international United States – neither understands its se - order, i.e., the evident emergence of a multi - The EU’s relationship with curity concerns nor provides the requisite polar world order in which Turkey projects Turkey is inexorably linked to the guarantees to protect and defend its inter - itself as a significant regional pole. In other “ ests. As such, with projections of demo - debate regarding the need for words, in the absence of the levers and the graphic growth to a country of at least 100 leverage provided by the accession process, Strategic Autonomy or Strategic million within the next 20 years, and the relationship between the European Union Sovereignty, and the“ off-again on- growth models showing that it will become and Turkey is one of a level playing field as again Conference on the Future a top 10 global economy over the middle the latter does not have to play by the rules, to long term, Turkey has sought to norms, values, and obligations encapsulated of Europe strengthen its claim or stake to being a sig - in the accession process. nificant pole in this Geopolitical Age. This has been coupled with a strategic drift Althoughthesecondoption seems to be a rather lame duck away from the West that could potentially lead to a strategic re - one at the moment, it should be given more consideration as the orientation. Hence, its impact on the normative multilateral inability on the part of the European Union to devise a compre - framework that defines the West and, the EU, in particular, hensive strategy for Turkey, is reflective of the Union’s failure to which seeks to redefine itself without losing its soul. project and protect clearly its interests. The EU’s relationship with Turkey is inexorably linked to the debate regarding the need for Consequently,bothGreeceandTurkey , marked by their his - Strategic Autonomy or Strategic Sovereignty, and the off-again on- tory and geography, cannot avoid rationalizing their relationship again Conference on the Future of Europe. While the Strategic Au - within a wider context where actors such as the EU and the US tonomy debate has been a rhetorical one to date with no serious undeniable have interests to project and defend as well as have a attempts to formulate and implement one, albeit the growing num - role to play in moderating the complexity of the bilateral ties be -

ber of regional and global challenges, the Conference on the Future tween Athens and Ankara, while guiding the two sides towardsn a of Europe looks set to go forward against the backdrop of a clash resolution of their key differences.

54 Democracy in the breaking?

bn were burned in a futile attempt to de - ence to the Istanbul Treaty for the preven - fend the Turkish lira. In the last two years tion of violence against women. The fact exemplary monetary mismanagement has that this has done no service to the already meant that th e lira has been plummeting tarnished reputation of Turkey as a demo - at record low exchange rates while infla - cratic polity is of secondary importance. tion has kept rising, undermining Turkey’s regional and international stand - WithdrawalfromtheIstanbulCon - ing. As of the time of writing, Turkey’s vention is perhaps the most recent slump By Kostas Ifantis foreign exchange reserves are so low that into new forms of authoritarianism and the Professor of International Relations it has to rely on complicated swap latest episode where democratization ex - Panteion University deals with local banks where half of de - pectations that were confounded. The dem - Senior Research Associate at the Institute posits are in dollars. By the end of 2021, ocratic openings in the 2000s proved of International Relations (IDIS) Turkey needs to refinance roughly $180bn in foreign borrowings. The demand for ostofthetalkingaboutTurkey Although thinks do not look up, we democratization was more of a these days is about foreign pol - should bear in mind that Turkey is a coun - “means rather than the ends. It M icy and the extent to which the try with strong fundamentals. During the priorities and preferences are sustainable last 40 years, it has built a strong industrial was a means to cement and under what conditions. But, equally if base that has generated an impressive ex - emerging social and political not more important is the domestic politi - port led growth performance. Considerable coalitions necessary to win and to cal and economic state of affairs insofar as public and private funding have trans - it can be a major impediment. There is no formed higher education to a very dynamic secure AKP’s positions against doubt that the domestic front is more chal - and pro-business setting, while emphasis the military tutelage.“ That is why lenging than at any given moment during on domestic R&D champions has allowed the call for democratization had the last twenty years. The political stand - for the creation of a strong and modern do - ing of President Erdogan is not as im - mestic production environment. Returning its limitations perius as it used to be. And so far, to economic orthodoxy can save the day. President Erdogan appears to be impervi - But such a dramatic shift has potentially stillborn. The demand for democratization ous to the needs for a major policy over - devastating political consequences for was more of a means rather than the ends. haul in order to reverse the findings of the AKP and its leadership. It entails a quite It was a means to cement emerging social not so favorable opinion polls. sharp austerity programme at least in the and political coalitions necessary to win short and medium term. Such a fiscal tight - and to secure AKP’s positions against the Afewweeksago , the President fired ening will gravely affect the economic military tutelage. the central bank governor Naci Agbal in standing of those social strata which form what could – according to the Financial the majority of President Erdogan’s elec - Thatiswhythecall for democratiza - Times – amount to economic suicide. It toral constituency. Rallying the troops with tion had its limitations. As soon as AKP for - only potatoes and onions is not a sustain - tified its standing with massive electoral and

Erdogan strongly believes able political strategy. parliamentary majorities, these became the only legitimate ground not only for Recep

that a debate on “values” will Itisinthiscontext that other contro - Tayyip Erdogan onslaught, but also for the “allow him to domina“ te the political versial moves can be explained. The Pres - demand the opposition to remain acquies - arena as he has done for the past ident has already demonstrated that he will cent to his actions and policies. Hence, the try to shape the agenda by reverting to is - promise of democratization turned into a twenty years sues where he thinks he enjoys a compar - pure authoritarian majoritarianism. In addi - ative advantage. He strongly believes that tion, the conviction “what I believe to be a debate on “values” will allow him to good is good for the country” produced a confirms that economic rationality is at dominate the political arena as he has done new and strong patronizing form of tute - short supply in Turkey. The regime under for the past twenty years. Hence, he be - lage, where the leader is best suited to ex - the stewardship of R. T. Erdogan chased lieves that at this juncture acting as the re - clusively define the nation’s problems and high economic growth based on consump - ligious conservative flag-bearer will stop he alone shall define the solutions. But the tion and cheap credit. Interest rates – “the the electoral bleeding and will cement the solutions – for the time being at least – is mother of all devil” according to the Pres - alliance with the ultra-nationalist MHP. pleasing by any means available his Islamist ident – were kept low and more than $120 The latter is far more important than adher - and ultranationalist electoral base. n

55 Why the Mitsotakis visit to Libya is a game changer Greece is establishing a new presence in Libya

By Demetri Dollis with the Libyan constitution”. former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs ThefullHouseofRepresentatives never met to ratify the GNA and approve the proposed Cabi - net. In August 2016, the Tobruk based internation - ibyaisaplacethatIknowwell:itshis - ally recognised House of Representatives voted to tory,politics,culture,andtribalrival - reject the GNA. L ries. Sarrarbecame and remained designate Prime Ihavevisitedthecountry on many occa - Minister and his Ministers remained Ministers des - sions and can testify to the bravery of our air ignate. force as they evacuated hundreds of people dur - UnderArticle8oftheUNsponsoredSkhirat ing the civil war. Agreement,Sarraj , as the Head of the interim GNA was pro - Wehaveafriendship with the Libyan people that is hibited from entering into any International agreements with - deeply rooted in history. Turkey has tried to change the rela - out the approval of the full Presidency Council of which he is tionship with its military intervention and the signing of the il - a member… “any agreement taken by the Presidency Council legal maritime accord. of the Council of Ministers in accordance with its competen - PrimeMinisterMitsotakis visit to Tripoli is beginning to cies listed in article 8.2 of the Agreement shall require una - put to put an end to all that. nimity of the President and the Deputies”. Thevisitnotonlynormalised our bilateral relations with Sarrajneverasked nor did he try to obtain the approval of the reopening of our Embassy but set things straight regarding the Presidency Council before or after he signed the memoran - the illegal accords that the Sarraj regime signed with Turkey. dums of understanding on the maritime jurisdiction in the “It is geography that determines the framework of our bi - Mediterranean and the military co-operation accord with Turkey lateral relations, and not the artificial lines that some people and as a result are null and void. The Skhirat Political Agreement draw on maps”. of 17 December which made him Prime Minister makes that clear. Mitsotakiscalled for the cancellation of “illegal docu - Theagreementstherefore are illegal and cannot be rati - ments presented as alleged transitional agreements but have fied by the Libyan House of Representatives, and that without no legal force”. The Prime Minister made it clear that “it is ratification from the HoR they cannot be sent to the UN by geography that determines the framework of our bilateral re - any Libyan authority. lations, and not the artificial lines that some people draw on TheregionalLibyan Court of Appeals, Al-Bayda has al - maps”. ready issued a ruling in that regard. The court annulled the Tounderstandtheillegality of the Turkish claims one maritime accord and scrapped the security and military co-op - would have to go back to the 2012 popular elections held by eration agreement with Turkey. The Libyan Electoral Commission with the assistance of the TheMitsotakisvisit put things straightwith the new in - UN Special Mission in Libya. The election was “fair and free” terim Libyan authority. The memorandums or accords that and considered such by most Libyan people, Turkey paddles internationally as agreements are illegal and TheGeneralNationalCongress won the popular vote not acceptable under international law. The maritime bound - and attempted to form government. However, divisions be - ary accord is in violation of the international Law of the Sea tween the two major groups that made the GNC, the National (UNCLOS) because it infringes upon the sovereign rights of Forces Alliance and the Justice and Construction Party, frag - third states and it is geographically absurd. mented the Congress. TheSkhiratAgreement upon which Sarraj based his le - Thepoliticalfragmentation led to the 2015 UN backed gitimacy render both the military and the maritime memoran - Skhirat agreement in Morocco that formed the Government of dums null and void. National Accord. Greeceisestablishing a new presence in Libya and will UndertheAgreement , Sarraj became the transitional assist the GNU to build a new peaceful and prosperous path Prime Minister and his Government a transitional Government for the people of Libya to elect their demecratic government until the “convening of the legislative authority in accordance in December. n

56 East Mediterranean Maritime Borders: LebanonvsIsrael: Whatever talks achieve both Lebanon and Israel need to update Maritime Boundaries

2)Ifso,shouldLebanon avail itself which Lebanon’s claim was last expressed of that right in the present circumstances? to the UN, expressly envisaged the possi - The issue is of critical importance, not bility of future updates. Article 3 leaves no only because it relates directly to Leba - room for interpretation whatsoever, rea - non’s (currently stalled) maritime boun - ding: “As needed, and in the light of nego - dary talks with Israel, but also because it tiations with the relevant neighboring stands to impact the speed with which it States, the borders of the exclusive econo - By Roudi Baroudi can begin to obtain tangible benefits from mic zone may be refined and improved CEO Energy and Environment any undersea hydrocarbons within its EEZ. and, consequently, the list of its coordina - Qatar Holdings Helpfully, the first question is the ea - tes amended, if more precise data becomes siest. Lebanon’s right to update its territorial available.” Lest there be any doubt, and as submissions to the UN is not only enshrined we will see below, such data has become ebanese political circles are in a tan - in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea available. gle once again, this time over whe - (UNCLOS), but also protected by Custo - Whatismore , when Lebanon’s Per - L ther Lebanon should provide the mary International Law (CIL), and establi - manent Mission to the UN submitted the United Nations with new coordinates defi - shed by innumerable precedents as a claims authorized under Decree 6433, its ning the country’s offshore Exclusive Eco - standard practice of countries seeking to de - accompanying letter included the follo - nomic Zone (EEZ). fine and defend their maritime claims, not wing advisory: “There is a need to conduct Inreality,twoquestionsneedanswe - least because continual technological ad - a detailed survey, using a global positio - ring: vance allows increasingly accurate mapping. ning system, of the shore contiguous to the 1)DoesLebanon have the right to up - Itisimportanttonote , too, that Pre - southern limit, including all islands and date its maritime claims to the UN? sidential Decree 6433 of 2010, under spurs, with a view to updating the nautical s 57 charts and the baseline accordingly in the sion to the world body not only referred to much, but by the time a line drawn out to future.” Again, to be perfectly clear: such “the relevant provisions of Article 1 (e)”, sea from such a misplaced starting point survey work has been conducted. but also reproduced the language, virtually reaches what should be the trijunction – verbatim. The submission even repeated where the EEZs of Cyprus, Israel, and Le - Also , while Israeli officials have sou - mention of “the three States concerned”, banon meet – the error could amount to ght (not very convincingly) to question Le - which in context can only indicate Leba - several nautical miles. banon’s right to update its claim, their non as the third state. country’s own October 2010 EEZ agree - Ipsofacto , both Lebanon and Israel ment (itself based on Israeli coordinates OnLebanon’sright to submit new have based their previous maritime claims which we now know to be incorrect and coordinates, then, the verdict is inescapa - on faulty coordinates, which makes every - which would therefore be rejected by any ble: it definitely has that right. Realisti - thing that flows from them obsolete, what cally, anyone who argues otherwise is the French would call “caduc” – meaning either opposed to the best interests of Le - null and void. To both, this imparts not The border area contains banon (which needs to develop this reso - only a right to update their claims before urce), the Lebanese (who deserve to reap the UN, but also an obligation to do so some of Lebanon’s most

“ the attendant economic rewards), and the based on each side’s own best interest. In promising offshore acreage, and Lebanese Armed Forces (which are hea - addition, recent experience demonstrates

in any event, there is no guarantee vily invested in a positive outcome); igno - that, especially with such evidence that “ rant of the facts and the rules; or pursuing their respective claims were fatally flawed, that giving it up would grease the some other political, financial, and/or other wheels for a diplomatic personal/partisan advantage. breakthrough No one expects that Nextquestion:shouldLebanonexer - ciseitsrightatthisparticularjuncture? “Washington will abandon its close court or tribunal) with Cyprus also ex - Onthesurface , this answer is almost relationship with Israel, but the pressly recognizes the fact that under CIL, as clear. In 2011, just months after the Is - LAF’s all-business approach, such coordinates are subject to change. Ar - rael-Cyprus deal and Lebanon’s last sub - ticle 1 (e) of that agreement reads as fol - mission to the UN, the Lebanese unsullied by the vagaries of lows: “Taking into consideration the government received expert analysis and Lebanese politics, e“ ncourages the principles of customary international law advice regarding the United Kingdom Americans to be as even-handed relating to the delimitation of the Exclusive Hydrographic Office charts – long consi - Economic Zone between States, the geo - dered the gold standard of maritime car - as possible graphical coordinates of points 1 or 12 tography – for the area. What the experts could be reviewed and/or modified as ne - found is that both Lebanon and Israel had cessary in light of a future agreement re - used erroneous coordinates as starting if the current talks failed and the two co - garding the delimitation of the Exclusive points for their maritime boundaries (ple - untries went to court or arbitration over the Economic Zone by the three States concer - ase see attached map): where such points issue, the first thing asked of them would ned with respect to each of the said points.” should be situated at the shoreline, both be to replace their faulty maps by carrying Inaddition , in a subsequent unilateral countries had placed them dozens of me - out detailed surveys and analyses in order submission to the UN, Israel’s own mis - ters offshore. This may not sound like to precisely determine any points of con - tention. Inthetechnicalsense , then, yes, Le - banon should definitely move quickly to update the maritime claims it has previ - ously submitted to the UN. But other con - siderations also need to be weighed.

Forinstance , while Lebanon is a so - vereign country, it cannot afford to entirely ignore the positions of outside actors. When these run contrary to its own wants and needs, it must weigh the pros and cons and decide accordingly. In this instance, Is - raeli officials have sought to discourage Lebanon from updating its claims or oth - erwise delaying the resumption of the afo - rementioned talks, raising the prospect that doing so could forestall progress, worse -

58 have acquitted themselves with a high de - gree of professionalism in their US-media - ted dialogue with the Israelis. In tandem with newly deposited coordinates, the qua - lity of the LAF’s work might actually ha - sten the negotiating process by demonstrating that the Lebanese side will not bluster, but nor will it be bullied or bamboozled. No one expects that Wash - ington will abandon its close relationship with Israel, but the LAF’s all-business ap - proach, unsullied by the vagaries of Leba - nese politics, encourages the Americans to be as even-handed as possible. Again , the case for a timely and asser - tive amendment of Lebanon’s maritime submission seems airtight, but only if the issue can be inoculated against Lebanon’s dysfunctional politics.

Giventhehistory of Lebanese poli - ning tensions and forcing a longer wait for lowsittostartearningsomebadlynee - tics, it is natural that even good-faith actors any offshore oil and gas development. dedrevenuesfromoffshoreresources? want to ensure they have sufficient politi - Thelatterpoint could be of particular Theanswertothatshould be a reso - cal cover before making any important significance because of what an energy unding “no”. The border area contains move. While this is certainly a step of con - boom could mean for the Lebanese popu - some of Lebanon’s most promising offsh - sequence, however, its merits are so obvi - lation. Lebanon’s economy has shrunk by ore acreage, and in any event, there is no ous that it should require only a an estimated 25% over the past year, fol - guarantee that giving it up would grease bureaucratic and/or legal decision by the lowing a debt default that led to the col - the wheels for a diplomatic breakthrough appropriate people at the Foreign Ministry. lapse of its currency and consumer price – and even if did, the outside investment The fact that it requires higher authoriza - increases that qualify as hyperinflation. required to get an energy industry up and tion should not be an excuse for yet ano - Worse, the political class has demonstrated running depends on a whole other set of ther chicken-and-egg standoff along the little stomach for the kinds of reforms re - prerequisites, not least the reforms that no lines of those that have alienated, frustra - quired to secure a bailout by the Interna - one has been able to see through. ted, impoverished, and quite literally killed tional Monetary Fund (IMF). hundreds of thousands of Lebanese over the past half-century. ThecurrentCabinet, led by Prime Minister Hassan Diab, resigned seven "There are ways to Rather , it should spur officials to get months ago over an explosion at the Port compromise on procedure creative about how to make progress of Beirut that damaged or destroyed tens “ today without hanging people out to dry without sacrificing accountability, of thousands of homes, so it operates in a tomorrow. There are ways to compromise caretaker capacity. His designated succes - integrity, or transparency, and the on procedure without sacrificing accoun - sor is also his predecessor, former Prime stakes are so high that finding tability, integrity, or transparency, and the Minister Saad Hariri, who himself resigned such a formula will be worth stakes are so high that finding such a for - in the face of popular protests that gripped mula will be worth whatever effort it re - the country in late 2019. While he enjoys whatever effort it requires. And for quires. And for once, the people of considerable support in certain foreign ca - once, the people of Lebanon might Lebanon might be able to believe their le - pitals, Hariri’s domestic position can only be able to believe their lead“ ers are aders are acting for purely national rea - be described as weak, and the mere fact sons, not personal ones. that he has been unable to form a Cabinet acting for purely national reasons, after more than half a year leaves little not personal ones RoudiBaroudi has more than 40 years doubt that even if he succeeds, he largely of experience in the energy business and will be incapable of decisive action on si - has helped design policy for major inter - gnificant issues. Also,inaddition to the 2011 analysis, national oil companies, sovereign govern - the Lebanese Armed Forces have carried ments, and multilateral institutions. He Sowehaveanotherquestion:should out detailed studies of their own, which currently serves as CEO of Energy and En - Lebanonforegosomeofitsrightsin have significantly strengthened the Leba - vironment Holding, an independent con - ordertohastenanagreementthatal - nese position. Senior LAF officers also sultancy based in Doha, Qatar. n

59 A new role for the O.E.C.D. The O.E.C.D. will also be asked - once more- to play an important geopolitical role

By George Prevelakis the growing importance of the Environment; he mobilized the Permanent Representative of Greece at the O.E.C.D. Organization in order to support countries affected by economic Professor emeritus, Sorbonne University (PARIS 1) crises, such as Greece. He opened it to new questions, such as the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation. He promoted the unification of the world, while at the same time hetenureoftheSecretary-General of the Organization seeking ways to regulate globalization - thus paving the ground for Economic Co- operation and Development for decisions related to the fight against tax evasion and the es - T (O.E.C.D.) expires on May 31st. After fifteen years of tablishment of the information exchange system. leading the Organization, Angel Gurria is now leaving, Thisworkwillundoubtedlycontinue , despite recent after having substantially transformed -and upgraded- its role. concerns around renewed protectionist tendencies. However, Thischange of leadership at the O.E.C.D. comes at a the O.E.C.D. will also be asked - once more- to play an time of far-reaching transformations, which have been important geopolitical role. The rise of China is a concern for accelerated by the current pandemic. As in the past, the the United States and the new administration in Washington O.E.C.D. will thus have to change in order to adapt to a new does not hide its intention to create a broad coalition to world. This will be the mission of the new General Secretary, address Chinese pressure. Europe understands the need to Australian Mathias Cormann, who will assume the leadership address this challenge; it is not, however, enthusiastic about of the O.E.C.D. on June 1st. In order to understand what is at the establishment of a quasi-Cold War logic. stake, a historical background is necessary. TheOECDbrings together a large number of EU states, as Sixtyyearsago , the O.E.C.D. succeeded the Organization well as countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC), which was in and Canada. With 38 member states, it represents, to a large charge of the management of the Marshall Plan. The Marshall extent, a part of the world which may feel threatened by China. It Plan was meant to financially shield Western European countries, is, in this respect, the ideal forum for elaborating a collective Greece, and Turkey, so that their societies would resist communist approach towards China, which will be more or less conflicting propaganda. When the Plan was completed, the OEEC was not vs. cooperative towards it. Many questions, which will be crucial dismantled. At that time, the Soviet threat had diminished in for the geopolitical and geo-economic restructuring of the world, Europe but had made advances throughout the world, taking ad - will be discussed in the coming years within the OECD. vantage of the anti-colonial movements. Thus, the OEEC was TheexpectedrenewaloftheO.E.C.D.’s geopolitical role transformed into the OECD. The introduction of the term "Devel - explains, to a large extent, the international interest in the election opment" and the deletion of the term "European " signaled the of a new Secretary General. Greece took part in the international new global orientation of the Organization. The development of competition with success, thanks to the charismatic candidacy of technocratic capabilities in the sphere of the economy gave to it Anna Diamantopoulou, who came third among ten candidates - legitimacy and rendered its geopolitical function more discreet. thereby showing Greece’s ambition to play a role in the international WhenAngelGuria assumed its leadership, the international arena. At the same time, Greece recently sought – and achieved- environment had changed once more. The progress of European the election of Kyriakos Pierrakakis as president of the integration and the increasing technocratic capacities of the O.E.C.D.’s Global Strategy Group, an institution that brings European Commission had reduced the relevance of the together Deputy Ministers and Secretaries-General each year to O.E.C.D. in what had been its traditional focus – the Europe discuss O.E.C.D.’s strategic orientations. economy. Moreover, the end of the Cold War and the now FollowingtheexampleofEleftheriosVenizelos , Greece claims undisputed American hegemony had made its geopolitical a role in the shaping of our world. During the campaign for the function less important. Last, the rise of globalization was election of the new Secretary General, the Greek Prime Minister gradually reducing the role of states in managing the economy pointed out that one of the four experts who, sixty years ago, were – which was the main focus of the O.E.C.D.’s expertise. called upon to determine the O.E.C.D. rules was Greek economist AngelGurriatherefore assumed the leadership of an or - Xenophon Zolotas. The current Greek government sees itself as the ganization, the role of which was becoming marginalized. Sig - follower of this tradition: it is investing efforts and energy in what it nificant changes were thus necessary in order to maintain and sees as an enhanced role for the O.E.C.D. in a transitional period for increase its international presence. Gurria succeeded in this, by

Humanity. From a recipient of suggestions and advice, Greece aimn s opening the O.E.C.D. to new challenges. He quickly realized to play a leadership role in ideas and innovations.

60 Our ancestors imported from Greece knowledge and whisdom for centuries The Ambassador of Georgia in Greece Mr. DavidDondua speaks exclusively to GR Diplomatic Review regarding the relations of the two countries that go as deep in time as History

Georgia and Greece: Millennials-long friendship On May 26 Georgia marks 30th anniversary of its independence

the Iberian and Tornike Eristavi founded Monastery of Iviron that housed more than 300 Georgian clergy and priests. Iviron Monastery served as Georgian cradle of knowledge and a bridge between Georgian and Greek spiritual cultures. Sincetheestablishment of ancient Greek colonies, the Greek element always existed in our country. Therefore, social, political, economic and cultural life in Georgia over the past millennia is unimaginable without ethnic Greeks. Greek influence is evident in every sphere, be it social life, education, architecture or any other field of art. Theutmostreverence of the Georgian nation toward Greece, its culture and people is vividly attested by the fact the Georgian word for “Greek” – “berdzeni” – means “wise” or “wisdom.” This name is a tribute to the notion that philosophy originated in Greece. But along with a fondness for philosophy, we Georgians also embraced the biggest gift this country bequeathed to humanity – democracy. Theinternationalname of my country – Georgia, also comes nbehalfoftheeditorialboardofourmagazine,Icon - from Greeks. When ancient Greek adventurers sailed to the east gratulateallGeorgiaonthissignificantDay . We wish shores of the Black Sea they found society there that has pro - O our Georgian friends, who reside in Georgia, Greece and foundly excelled in agriculture. And they used name Georgia – as all over the world, to live in strong, independent, and prosperous tillers of land, agriculturalist. state. ThroughcenturiesmanyPonticGreeks found refuge in Geor - ThisspringGreeceandGeorgia have celebrated independ - gia. In our country they have established one of the most vibrant and ence anniversaries - bicentennial of Greek revolution that led to creative Greek diasporas. And by the end of WWI their number ac - creation of modern Greek state and 30 years counted 100,000 dispersed in different of restoration of Georgia’s independence provinces of Georgia. Later, many of them from the Soviet Union. “ have been repatriated by the Hellenic govern - Georgian-Greek ties go back to millen - Βy the fact the Georgian ment to their historic homeland. Yet, in the nials. The phenomenon of Greek settlements word for “Greek” – “berdzeni” – last three decades many Georgians have set - “ tled in Greece. Today in Greece we have one on the eastern shores of the Black Sea (Evx - means “wise” or “wisdom inos Pontos) begins from XVIII and XVII of the biggest diasporas. As an ambassador of centuries B.C. Archeologic discoveries made Georgia, I want to express my sincere appre - in Georgia, together with the Greek written ciation to Greek people for their famous sources, confirm close ties between Georgian and general Hellenis - philoxenia, for so warmly embracing and adopting my compatriots. tic civilization. Overthecenturies , our countries have gone through many Thereismoreinfluence of Greco-Roman culture after the historical times. There were periods when we fought shoulder to adoption of Christianity by Georgian kingdom. Christian Georgia, shoulder against common enemies; sometimes we have walked squeezed between empires and big powers, chose political unity our ways separately or against each other. with the Byzantine Empire, as the most progressive and close to However, today our relationship is a perfect example of how its values and mentality. On Mount Athos Georgian monks John modern European democracies should cooperate. Greece was one s

61 Areas to Improve Greek Deterrent Power Defense and deterrence work together, not separately

By Dimitrios Tsailas Rear Admiral has taught for many years, operational planning, strategy, and security, to senior officers at the Supreme Joint War College. of the first European states to establish diplomatic relations with the He is a member and researcher of the Institute new Georgian state and opened its embassy in Tbilisi. Likewise, one for National and International Security of our first diplomatic representations we have established in Athens. Today, besides embassy, Georgian General Consulate operates in Thessaloniki, covering northern regions of Greece. hemostsubstantialwartheoristofthe20thcentury, Greeceisastaunchsupporter of our European and Euro-At - ThomasSchelling,cites: "Coercion is an operation of lantic aspirations. Our two countries actively cooperate in multiple T the war." Taking this in mind, how likely are we, to be directions, be it political, economic, cultural, humanitarian or other. destroyed by the dominant mentality of appeasement of our Wesparenoeffort to further deepen existing ties and at the adversary, when in our geopolitical region everyone else is re - same time explore new avenues of cooperation. The Deep and visionist and realistic, and all they can understand is powerful Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU, besides other and credible deterrence? benefits, has opened the Greek market for Georgian products and we are helping our entrepreneurs to make the full use of it. We are Becausethisquestionisrhetorical,wewilltrytogive also working with Greek companies that are interested in starting detailsofdeterrenceonourpart. business in Georgia. AslongastheTurksthreaten , we need calmness and Wearekeen to share Greek experience and know-how in the determination to prepare the defense structures for any de - areas where this country has profoundly excelled - sustainable de - velopments. In the light of the evolving Turkish threat, de - velopment, renewable energy, green economy, tourism, agricul - cision-makers should periodically reassess the strategy for ture, etc. dealing with it, with consideration given to the following Onourside , I hope we can attract Greek visitors with our options: alpine ski resorts, monasteries and holy sites, wine tours, agro- tourism, culinary diversity and other interesting destinations. 1.Maintaining the current strategy, which is three- Forcenturies , our ancestors were exporting knowledge and pronged: delaying and disrupting the pace of the enemy’s wisdom from Greece. I am pleased to see that that many of our buildup by military means (the campaign between the wars) young people are still studying in Greek universities. However, I and political means; building deterrence by developing lethal think more can be done in this direction. Therefore we are trying military power, and developing defensive capabilities. to connect Georgian and Greek universities, so that even more Georgian students can get an education where the cradle of Euro - 2.Launching a limited military operation to diminish the pean civilization and democracy is laid. threat, taking a chance that the situation will deteriorate into a Finally , let me wish that tremendous effort of our governments broader war. to tackle down the pandemic, mass vaccination that is underway in our countries will bring its desirable results and gradually we’ll open 3.Initiating a wide-scale war that could devolve into the our borders for tourists and visitors. It will allow more people to worst-case scenario, as described above. In any event, the po - people contacts, students and academic exchanges, frequent high litical echelon should be primed to instruct the defense estab - level meetings. that will further advance our bilateral relationship. lishment to prepare for war, which could erupt without Greece Usingthisopportunity , I am once again congratulating Greek choosing it or wanting it -in scenarios of deterioration or an people and everyone who loves this wonderful country with 200 initiative by the enemy. n years of Independence!

62 Areas to Improve Greek Deterrent Power

Assessingmilitary options in the face of the Turkish threat, it will support Greek positions, but it will certainly support the in order to prevent war, we formulate a strategy for entering the internationalization of any conflict. So it is estimated that Turkey war by preparing an exit strategy and establishing stabilization can never safely calculate that Western powers would not use mechanisms and decision-making readiness during the war. hard power in response to its attack. This is probably enough to deter any sensible leader in Turkey. InGreece, we have shown that we are too slow in the deci - sion-making process and hard to move in response to modern Itisalsocrucial for Greece to demonstrate a revitalized and war, mainly because of the weak institutional framework. The fully integrated deterrence posture in order to convincingly ex - conduct of the war is expected to take place in a lightning way, plain to the public that deterrent power is the main purpose of the using new technologies, in an operations theatre to be developed promised defense armor. A refreshed attitude of deterrence should simultaneously in the air, sea, ground, cyberspace, and space, uti - not be seen as another "compensation" strategy, which would

lizing information and counter-information. compensate for some defensive or political inadequacy. Defense

and deterrence work together, not sepa - Ouropponents, Turks, because they rately. On the contrary, deterrence must be understand this, they have built a lightning “ the focus of a 'reset' strategy, a concerted war machine capable to take advantage of The deterrence applied by effort to rediscover the fundamental objec - the slowness of our forces and military mo - “our armed forces is now based tive of deterrence, which is to maintain sta - bility. But the hot question remains whether on the self-deterrence and bility, even in a contradictory environment. Greece could fight in a short war (lightning- war) if it had the warning or would engage professionalism of its officers Deterrencemustbereal , strong, and in a long war if the chance is given. functioning. Deterrence is about both abil - ities and intent. In Greece, there are weak DeterrenceinGreece suffers mainly for two reasons: the points on both these issues. The lack of a stable Greek response lack of political will and the reduction of strategic culture, which to Turkey's non-compliance with international law is not coin - means the willingness of citizens to make sacrifices in order to cidental for a region that is an important geopolitical area of defend our national and sovereign interests. Because of the latter, Europe, NATO, and important states. Lately, there has been a the former needs more than ever. The attitude of deterrence, in conscious awakening because the international environment is public debate, in our country lacks both substance and conviction. now in an increasingly dangerous situation. The first of these is due to the disadvantaged levels of defense spending over the past decade. This can be corrected by an in - Inconclusiontothisbriefanalysis,Ibelievethatthefol - crease in defense budgets. The second is more serious and more lowingareasstillneedimprovement: structural. (1)Militarymobility to ensure that the main forces can Deterrenceatbest is too often seen as an unwelcome re - move rapidly or faster than Turkish forces, demonstrating that minder of the conflict of evil-implicit nationalism and the public's this is necessary for deterrence. services potential for free. Deterrence suffers from a crisis of skepticism, at best. This means that the deterrence applied by our (2)Anti-airandanti-missiledefense , with specialized un - armed forces is now based on the self-deterrence and profession - dertakings during deployment in the field of objective purpose. alism of its officers. Furthermore, there are concerns caused by the indifference of NATO and European Union allies to guaran - (3)Maintaininghighlevels of readiness and morale of all teeing mutual defense. The principle of the three bodyguards set troops at our armed forces. out in Article 5 - one for all, and all for one - remains unreliable, at least as far as Greek-Turkish is concerned. (4)Immediateupgrading and improvement of the cyber protection at seaports, transport networks, and political networks. Itisnecessary to improve our response time and focus on a range of threats, from instability in the Mediterranean to the se - (5)Amoreflexible approach to our shipbuilding capacity, curity of the Aegean, cyberspace, and information, as well as the which encourages other nations to invest in our capabilities. basic task of our territorial defence. A possible crisis leading to war would leave the southeastern wing of the ally, potentially (6)Adaptingustoakind of lightning war will enhance our

more exposed to Turkish coercion efforts. However, a strength - deterrent value by accelerating the response speed of our forcn es ened presence of allies in the Mediterranean does not mean that and enhancing our harmful capability.

63 Tourism is Greece's Soft Power

By Ioanna Dretta to promote and showcase Greece in the in - CEO Marketing Greece ternational arena.

fasked,"WhatisGreektourism?”, However , in the near future as formed most people will spontaneously recall by the pandemic, Greek tourism is being I memories of beaches, warm sun and called on to redefine its own existence, to the feeling of relaxation and freedom that place itself in a new reality with new cir - you experience in Greece. Completely log - cumstances, and to redesign its future. ically, they connect the country with sum - Asurveyconducted by the members mer. of the Greek Tourism Confederation ButGreektourismissomuchmore (SETE) showed a strong need for coordi - thanthisclassicimage. nated promotion to highlight culture, to It is one of the country’s soft powers as promote Greek cuisine which reflects the it disseminates the values, the uniqueness actual philosophy of life embraced by and the experience of living in Greece. It Greeks and to showcase the experiences produces a reputation, builds an image and that Greece offers (2). ultimately makes a significant and ongoing contribution to our country’s brand. Thisisamultilevelprocesswhich givesrisetoanimportantopportunity Inthelastdecade, 245 million people forGreece. from almost all corners of the world have Theopportunity to build its image on visited Greece. They lived our way of life, new foundations and to promote the coun - were exposed to our culture, they visited concept, a simple product. It is a concept try’s modern characteristics. Those of a archaeological sites and monuments of that places people themselves at the centre country that understands what people are world importance and they tasted our cui - of the experience as, in addition to the vis - going through and is sending a message of sine. When they leave the country, they au - itors, it is also of relevance to a very large empathy to the whole world, a country that tomatically form a huge group of and wide group of people who invest in, listens to the deepest human needs and re - ambassadors who share their experiences sponds to them through sustainable devel - of our country and function as an important opment, a country that combines its channel of communication with the inter - strengths and can once again be an example national community. In the last decade, 245 through its dynamism, as it was of old, a Today,these245million people have million people from almost all country which displays quick reflexes and ranked Greece 5th in the world of interna - “ approaches this new reality through modern tional tourism. This has been achieved corners of the world have visited processes such as digital transformation, both through the actual product offered by Greece. They lived our way of and a country which remains outward-look -

Greek tourism and through the country’s life, were exposed to our culture, ing and responds to global demands. comparative advantage which is the con - Withknowledge, courage, self-confi - tact that visitors enjoy with those who live they visited archaeological sites dence and an outward-looking mindset, in Greece (1). and monuments of“ world and by putting its valuable experience of SoGreektourism is not a superficial importance and they tasted the past to good use and responding to the requirements of today, Greek tourism has our cuisine the power to further strengthen the “brand Greece”.

develop and are employed in Greek 1.Evaluation of the brand "Greece" tourism. At a fundamental level, it is gov - and comparison with the competition in erned by the values and principles of Greek Southern Europe based on the experience culture. It naturally emphasises the positive of tourists, INSETE, March 2019 elements. It highlights the uniqueness of 2.ResultsofMRB research MRB " Η the country at all levels, and ultimately it προβολή της Ελλάδας την επόμενη μέρα" gathers together all those elements that "( The promotion of Greece in the near fu - give it the strength and ability to contribute ture " ), Greek Tourism Confederation to shaping the country's image at a global (SETE) & MARKETING GREECE, De - n level, and to also be an important vehicle cember 2020. 64 The Security challenges created with covid-19 and the inderlying importance of a Security Consultant

prehend and manage the required security processes, adjusting to the employer’s goals and the facility’s needs, minimizing as a result exposure for all kind of threats. Thecoronavirus has caused major disruption to all busi - nesses, however coping mechanisms should be adhered based on factual data analysed by professionals to avoid mishandling situations which could possibly lead to unwanted legal sanc - Karolos Schinochoritis tions against a business. Data Protection laws in addition have MSc Crime and Justice made it challenging to install new security surveillance equip - BSc Police Sciences ment as a full review of all data collection and storage needs Business Espioanage & Counter Espionage Certified to take place. The complexity in security solutions and methods BSM Maritime Security Certified Tactical & Maritime School Certified is apparent and the need of a security consultant is evident to e-mail: [email protected] avoid errors, sanctions, disruption, and any type of undesirable situation that could impair an institution or its workers. Recentcriminal activities have produced multiple gaps in ntering2021hasbeen a new step forward in fighting business facilities, individuals’ properties among other infra - this coronavirus that has sprung to all nations, causing structures. Business facilities with budget cuts and less person - E economical crashes, social disruption, and breaking nor - nel are faced with a potential difficult dilemma over cost malities in our lives. Vaccination campaigns have restored control, consequently ignoring certain security gaps at their pieces of the defensive mechanisms within our societies how - sites, leaving their businesses exposed to criminals. ever the security shield will take time to be completely re - Thatistherole of a Security Consultant, guiding and con - stored. sulting the Manager/Owner, conducting a site security assess - Thisnewsecurity era we have entered has made security ment, reviewing all risks, security vulnerabilities and counter measures worldwide adapt to this new challenge our suggesting the implementation of appropriate counter measures world is facing. As soldiers in wars study who their fighting to minimize risk exposures. Through a thorough and well- against, learning their opponents’ behaviours and styles, as planned study, a security consultant can customize a plan, such the learning process to understand this new challenge is based on the essential needs a facility or site requires, always underway, placing businesses and their facilities in a slippery in accordance with contemporary legal requirements. This en - slope. sures the protection of facilities including personnel and guests, Facilitiesface all sort of hazards, anthropogenic and non- minimizing any type of disruption, and most notably setting up anthropogenic which can have a detrimental effect on their the appropriate mechanisms to adequately handle any kind of functionality. It is vital therefore, for all type of facilities to be potential volatile situation. up to date with new types of threats that would disrupt their AsaSecurity Consultant and Risk Advisor I conduct se - operational functions, leading to life endangerment, financial curity site assessments for the implementation of suitable se - losses, infrastructure damages, ultimately impairing corporate curity and emergency response plans to prevent those risks a reputation. facility, house or any type of infrastructure faces against. From Protectionoffacilities requires professional expertise to gathering information about crime statistics within the area, be up to date with current legislation, technological advance - past criminal acts against the infrastructure, in depth interviews ments, criminal behaviours in addition to possible emergency with personnel, to comprehensive risk and vulnerability assess - situations such as natural disasters and public health emergen - ments which will determine the level of security needed along cies. That is the Security consultant's responsibility within a with suitable counter measures to accomplish that. Security is facility. The requirements of such a professional are demanding and will emerge further as the top priority of everyone’s lives. and variable. A solid educational background in Law Enforce - All people, irrespectively, must feel secure within their work - ment or Security studies is necessary, in addition to a notable place, house or wherever they are stationed at any moment. working experience. Consequently, bridging the gap of theory This is what I can guarantee to everyone who needs profes - and practise, giving the professional the ability to fully com - sional guidance in security related matters. n

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