WEYMOUTH: Do you see Greek-Turkish relations improving after the Madrid Communique, the nonaggression pact signed by the two countries at last month’s NATO summit?
SIMITIS: In Madrid, Turkey and Greece made a declaration that no threats of war or use of force will be made and that differences will be settled peacefully. This is a tremendous step; we want to follow up on that. We must find a solution to the most substantial difference that we have with Turkey - the continental shelf.
Why is delineating the extent of the continental shelf from Greece’s coastline so crucial?
In the continental shelf you can exploit minerals. Probably there is oil.
Are you thinking of reducing your arms buildup as a result of the communique?
We will continue arms purchases because since 1985 Turkey has considerably increased its armament - we are at a disadvantage.
Do you favor confidence-building measures between Greece and Turkey, such as a hot line between the two militaries?
Yes, we are in favor of them. We have made two proposals not accepted by Turkey. First, no military exercises in the Aegean Sea during the summer months. The second is the monitoring of military flights over the Aegean by NATO.
Do you expect a breakthrough over the disputed Aegean Sea island of Imia/Kardak?
I hope there is a breakthrough. I need a statement from the Turks that they will refer the matter to the International Court or to say they don’t persist in their claims.
If the Imia dispute is solved, will Greece release its veto over European Union funds owed Turkey?
If [Turkish Prime Minister] Mesut Yilmaz says clearly he refers the matter to the International Court, he will get the money.
Will you agree to a meeting of Turkish and Greek experts - the so-called wise men?
If an agreement is reached concerning specific procedures to be adhered to, then the ““wise men’’ will be able to meet.
Why did the Greek Cypriots escalate the arms race by purchasing missiles from Russia?
On the Turkish side of Cyprus there are about 50,000 Turkish soldiers. And there is a threat that they will occupy the whole of the island. So after 23 years of Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus, I think the Greeks have the right to buy the arms necessary to counter such an invasion.
Does the success of your relations with Turkey depend on resolving the Cyprus issue?
There are two different subjects: Greek-Turkey relations and the Cyprus question. The Greek-Turkey relations are a Greek-Turkish matter. The Cyprus problem is an international problem. It concerns a third state, and the problem is the foreign occupation of that state. Naturally, the solution of the Cyprus problem will create a better climate for Greek-Turkish relations. But they are not connected.
Will Greece veto the admission of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to the EU if Cyprus is not admitted?
It’s too early to say. I will use all possible means in the European Union [to support Cyprus].
Do you think Turkey should be in the EU?
Turkey cannot be a member of the EU with open problems in the Aegean and on Cyprus.
Do you have any impressions of Yilmaz? Surely you prefer him to [former prime minister] Necmettin Erbakan and his Islamist Refah Party?
I’m not so sure. Mr. Erbakan was not interested in the Aegean. The Islamists basically wanted Turkey to play a prime role in Asia among the Muslim countries there. So they were not so interested in the Aegean and Cyprus.
