Greece: Energy Node

[akritas]

Opinion & analysis
Interview with Greece’s prime minister
19:00 | 25/ 04/ 2008




Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis gave an interview to RIA Novosti ahead of his May 28 visit to Moscow

1) What results do you expect from your visit to Moscow?

It is with great pleasure that I will be visiting Moscow once again, on an invitation from President Putin. This visit constitutes one more link in a long, rigid chain of regular, fruitful meetings. We have been working closely together for the last 4 years, on a number of important issues, with a view to elevating Greek-Russian relations to the best possible level. So far, the results could be described as excellent; and I am confident that we will further expedite our efforts to the benefit of our peoples. I should add that my forthcoming visit will emphasize the continuity in our relations and confirm the political will towards deepening and enhancing our thorough cooperation in numerous fields. I will most certainly thank President Putin for his strenuous efforts in this direction. I should avail myself of this opportunity to highlight the essence of the, as President Putin has described it, "strategic" relationship between Greece and Russia and reiterate my will to further pursue its strengthening. Finally, I definitely look forward to meeting with president-elect Dmitry Medvedev, as I´ m confident that he will also concur to the need to seize the many new opportunities that will certainly occur in the future.

2) How is the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project progressing, and how do you see its role in European energy security?

The international consortium, which will undertake the construction and operation of the BAP, has already been established in Holland. The project will be funded by a "project finance" scheme based on the guaranteed supply of oil. During the next few months the project consortium will present the necessary feasibility studies for the pipeline and will prepare the transit agreements to be signed with Greece and Bulgaria. Obviously, the project is considered well underway and there is no need for any governmental intervention for its development, at least at this stage. European energy security is facing a set of serious challenges, among them the need for diversifying energy supply sources. It is, thus, nearly certain that significant amounts of oil and gas from the Caspian region will reach the European market in the near future. Supply diversification should be considered, therefore, as a crucial component of the European energy security policy. The Burgas - Alexandroupolis Pipeline project will provide an alternative and supplementary route allowing the diversification of the Russian crude oil exports through its southern gate currently depending on the transit passage through the Bosphorous Straits. There, the existing maritime passage restrictions delay substantial quantities of crude oil from accessing promptly the international markets. Therefore, the importance of the project in the European and global energy security is considered paramount.

3) How do you view cooperation with Russia in the gas industry, particularly in constructing the Greek part of the South Stream?

Over the last 20 years, Greece and Russia have established a long and productive cooperation in the field of natural gas. It is estimated that, by the end of the 2015, Greece will be consuming 7 million cubic meters of natural gas yearly. Currently 80% of our consumption is imported from Russia. Therefore, Greece has requested the extension of the existing bilateral agreement with Russia on the gas supply up to the year 2040. The South Stream project is for Greece a very challenging one, as it will guarantee the diversification of the supply sources of Europe, thus enhancing its energy security and providing for a more open and competitive internal market of natural gas. The project enjoys, therefore, broad political support by the Greek Government. An initial cross examination of the project has already been carried out by the Greek - Russian experts group established for this purpose.

4) How do you view the prospects for tourism development between Russia and Greece?

President Putin quite rightly mentioned, during our meeting in Moscow last December,that tourism can be seen as the barometer of our relations. We welcome an ever increasing number of Russian tourists in Greece. We, nevertheless, hope to do better each year. Not only is tourism an important factor, which allows to balance more evenly our trade/economic relations, but, more importantly perhaps, it brings closer our two peoples in such areas as culture and civilization. In this respect we are doing everything we can, within the possibilities offered by the EU, in order to facilitate the tourist flow.

5) Is there any other area of business where Greece wants to cooperate with Russia?

Business activity between Greece and Russia has recently been reviewed in Athens, during our yearly Intergovernmental Economic Commission. Construction, banking, new technologies are only a few fields, in which prospects are bright, and there is ground for optimism. The Russian market is very attractive for Greek agricultural products and in particular wine. Of course, private initiative is predominant in these matters, although governments and state organizations can and must play their facilitator's role thoroughly.

6) Greece and Russia are close in their cultural heritage. How do you view present and future cultural cooperation?

Culture and history constitute the backbone of our deep-routed ties. We are giving this aspect of our relations high consideration. As an example, let me mention the exciting and ambitious project that President Putin and I have decided to go forward with, namely to simultaneously organize events in 2013, in view of the Sochi Winter Olympics of 2014, within the framework of respective "Years" of Greece in Russia and of Russia in Greece. Such important projects will definitely bring out the best both countries have to offer in the area of culture and civilization. I should also add, that the Greek government has decided to include lessons of Russian language in high school curricula as a pilot programme. Finally, we are concluding our plan to establish a Department of Slavonic Studies at the Kapodistrian University of Athens, as promised.

7) How does Greece see the situation in the Balkans developing, in view of recognition by some countries of Kosovo's independence?

As a principle, Greece has always been in favor of agreed solutions and against any fait accompli. After the establishment of a new situation on the ground in Kosovo, which of course can not pass unattended, our main concerns remain unchanged: First, how to maintain peace and stability both in Kosovo and in the Balkans, Second, how to build a prosperous future for the countries and the peoples in the region, and Third, how to protect the rights of minorities and the cultural heritage. What comes first is Kosovo moving towards stability. Efforts must be focused on strengthening democratic institutions and maintaining its multiethnic and multicultural character. The ESDP mission to Kosovo will bring out the Union's leading role and strengthen the sense of security amongst all ethnic communities. Regarding the issue of recognition of the new state of affairs, which is a sovereign prerogative of each state, as we have repeatedly stated, we will take our decisions, after a thorough examination of all developments, as well as dimensions and consequences these developments might have for regional security and our national interests.

8) What is the Greek position on the official name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and what do you expect from Russia on this matter?

The name issue is not a problem of a merely historic, psychological or emotional dimension, but a real political issue of good neighborly relations in a region torn for centuries by interethnic and civil wars, hatred and instability. The only solution to the name issue is a mutually accepted settlement. Greece has done its part by accepting the idea of a composite, single and "erga omnes" name, which will not allow the monopolization of the term Macedonia and will not offend the national heritage and identity of any of the states concerned. Driven by the desire to see this issue finally resolved and committed to continue working towards succeeding in this endeavour, we extended, after Bucharest, an invitation to the political leadership in Skopje to resume talks within the UN process. We expect that political leaders in Skopje will halt behaviours belonging to past centuries and reciprocate our honest invitation. Greece's goal is not to humiliate FYROM. We want to support them in their efforts for a better future. We don't want to result with winners and losers. We want a solution that will benefit the whole region, a win-win solution for all. We deeply appreciate Russia's commitment to support our efforts towards a final resolution of this problem, as demonstrated by recent statements of Russian officials indicating that Moscow will endorse the outcome of the ongoing negotiations and adopt a name that will be mutually acceptable. We trust that Russia, also in its capacity as permanent member of the Security Council, will spare no effort to safeguard the credibility of this principal UN body and ensure full implementation of its resolutions, as well as respect of the fundamental values and principles of the UN Charter, on which international relations are founded.




For more information in Russian

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080425/105908104.html

[makedon]

I predict manufactured trouble for Greece in the near future.

The Turks are NeoCon Allies, they are the Bush Admin.
http://www.macedoniaontheweb.com/for...html#post69806
sources
http://www.macedoniaontheweb.com/for...html#post69831
I have some good links on NeoCons here.
http://www.macedoniaontheweb.com/for...html#post69841

Sibel Edmonds is a Turkish FBI translator, she is credible and silenced.
Her story is very relevant here, insiders are making money, they play for
keeps, they are with the Turks 100% and very much against Greece.

oil companies + neocons = trouble for Greece

Putin is the enemy of the NeoCons and Oligarchs that raped Russia,
put them in jail and keeps them out of the country. MSM is going
after Russia cause Putin is not going along, now Greece is involved.

----------------------------

Putin, Greek PM to sign South Stream pipeline deal

http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/t...id=231&sz=6548

Greece and Russia will sign a deal to cooperate on building a major gas pipeline, South Stream, when President Vladimir Putin meets Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis this week, a Kremlin source said.

Putin, Greek PM to sign South Stream pipeline deal

The source said Karamanlis will meet outgoing president Putin and his successor Dmitry Medvedev, who will be sworn in on May 7, when he visits Russia on April 29-30.

Development Minister Christos Folias said earlier this month Greece has agreed to join the Kremlin-backed pipeline project, further boosting energy ties with Russia.

The pipeline, which will be jointly built by Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom and Italy's energy group ENI, will eventually transport 30 billion cubic metres (bcm) of Russian gas a year to Europe.

Greece will become a transit state on the southern leg of the pipeline which will pump gas to Italy.
[ this equals clout, not just money, some don't want that]

The project, which aims to link Gazprom's Siberian gas fields with Europe and is seen as a competitor to the EU and U.S.-backed Nabucco pipeline, will cost around 10 billion euros ($15.66 billion)

[ my understanding this is going through Turkey ]

South Stream will run from Russia via a 900-km underwater pipeline across the Black Sea to Europe. Fellow Balkan nations Serbia and Bulgaria, as well as Hungary, recently joined South Stream.

Washington, fearful of Russia's tightening grip on the European energy market has urged countries, including Greece, to diversify their energy providers. [ this is a blatant lie, they want control and $ ]

The Kremlin source also said Putin and Karamanlis will discuss a 950-million euro Russian-Bulgarian-Greek oil pipeline, agreed on last year after 14 years of negotiations.

The construction phase of the 280-km (174 miles) pipeline, bypassing the congested Turkish Straits and pumping oil into the Aegean port of Alexandroupolis from the Bulgarian Black sea port of Burgas, is expected to start soon.

Photo: AP

[akritas]

Greece and Russia plan to sign an agreement on the former country’s participation in the South Stream natural gas pipeline project, at the end of Tuesday’s talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. This agreement is making Greece an important energy node while the security of our energy sources is being boosted. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will be carrying out a working visit to Moscow on Tuesday for talks with outgoing President Vladimir Putin on Kosovo situation as well as FYROM name issue and with his successor Dmitri Medvedev. FM Dora Bakoyiannis as well as State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos who are accompanying the Prime Minister will also participate in the discussions.

Important Part of the Net Supplied


The natural gas pipeline South Stream will start form the Greek-Bulgarian frontier and will carry natural gas to Italy through Greece. The agreement is expected to have effect for 30 years and through the pipeline 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be transferred yearly. Part of this amount will be supplied in our country while Greece will also collect passing taxes.

Through the pipeline Turkey Greece Italy, 11,6 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be supplied from Turkey to Komotini and from Thesprotia coasts through the sub sea part in Toronto of Italy.

Through the South Stream pipeline 30 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas will come cross the Black Sea and will supply Central Europe through the north branch while the south branch will end in Italy.

At the same time, Nabucco pipeline is expected to transfer 31 cubic meters of natural gas form Caspian through Turkey and Bulgaria with final destination Austria.

Consumption of natural gas is rising in our country where 4,7 billion of cubic meters are expected in 2008.




Sources:
ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?ln...4&lngDtrID=244

[zefs]

America did this to itself with its unfair pro-Turkish and anti-Hellenic foreign policy. We just have to sit and let it all play out. Russia is in a very good positon here. They are rich in natural resources and offer Europe and many anti-American countries an energy hub alternative. I believe Greece is playing its cards right and is learning from its past mistakes. We are open to anyone that wants to include us in their business ventures. It's good sound business practices. Bravo Karamali. And I say these words not being a big fan of ND.

[akatanomastos]

PM Karamanlis, President Putin on signing of South Stream agreement

The visit to Moscow by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the signing of the agreement on the South Stream natural gas pipeline confirms the strategic relation between Greece and Russia, according to statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Karamanlis after their meeting at the Kremlin and their working luncheon on Tuesday.

"Greece's options in the sector of energy have as their exclusive criterion the energy security of our country and of our European partners, through the mutually beneficial cooperation between suppliers, transporters and energy consumers," the prime minister said.

Referring to the agreement on the South Stream natural gas pipeline, he said that "it is one of the most important projects for the countries of southern and central Europe and it is part of the strategy of diversifying the course of natural gas. With these facts, Greece considers the construction of infrastructures based on conditions of increasing demand for gas as being very positive."

Focusing on Greece in particular, Karamanlis said that the South Stream is of vital importance for the Greek energy market, given that high growth rates and the need to end dependence on oil create a greater need for gas.

Asked to comment on the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the prime minister said that "the issue of the name of FYROM is not a psychological or a sentimental one. It is an exclusively political problem and the pending issue deals a blow at relations of good neighbourliness and conditions of stability in the wider Balkan region. Greece is pursuing a solution that will be mutually acceptable, viable, comprehensive and workable and which will apply to all and will bear the seal of the UN Security Council. We hope that the political leadership of Skopje will respond to our sincere desire for a compromise, brushing aside nationalist logics and conceptions of the past."

He further expressed his conviction that Russia, in its capacity of a UN Security Council permanent member, will make every possible effort to secure the full implementation of UN resolutions and values.

On the question of Kosovo, the prime minister said that Greece's position had always been achieving agreed solutions and not the creation of faits accomplis. As regards recognition of the new situation, Greece will be taking its decisions after a detailed examination of all the developments.

Referring to his Moscow visit and talks Tuesday, Karamanlis said that "the meeting (with President Putin) has a very symbolic significance and confirms the excellent personal relation between us, the strategic nature of the relations of the two countries and our commitment to strengthen these relations even more in the future."

He spoke of his personal relation with President Putin, saying that "I acknowledge in his person a very reliable interlocutor and partner who has played a leading role in the strategic upgrading of the relations of the two countries."

He also stressed that the substantive foundations for the two countries' relations are close historic bonds, common interests and neighbouring views on many issues.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed ways of expanding cultural relations on the occasion of 2013 being proclaimed "Russia Year" for Greece and "Greece Year" for Russia. They also discussed ways of strengthening economic cooperation in the sectors of investments, tourism and construction.

On his part, President Putin said that the visit will contribute to the further development of the two countries' relations, adding that they held talks on a wide circle of issues of both bilateral and international concern.

The two leaders also paid special attention to energy plans that include the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline and the South Stream natural gas pipeline.

The Russian President said that the aim is for us to increase the energy security of the Balkans and of Europe and stressed that "we discussed specific ways of deepening the traditionally good relations of the two countries. We discussed Kosovo as well as the issue of Cyprus. The positions of the two countries are close and both favour the observance of principles of international law."

Speaking about energy policy, he said that "the implementation of the South Stream does not mean that Russia is opposed to other energy plans, if there are other options for energy resources we shall be pleased."

Commenting on the close relation between Greece and Russia, he said that "the energy plans that require considerable investments and have an economic result also have a political importance and lead to the upgrading of the role of the country participating. As regards its energy policy in Europe, Russia has various options, it chose, however, to promote the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline and the South Stream through Greece. We are aware that competing companies and countries will try to prevent and delay the project, presenting economic and political agruments. We shall work with seriousness to implement our plans."

Replying to a question on the United States, President Putin said that "if Greece wanted neckties or underwear it could purchase them from Italy or China. But when it is a question of energy resources the countries that can offer can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Russia's proposal is the most beneficial one, both from a qualitative and an economic point of view."

On the question of Kosovo, President Putin said that his position is known. He said he was against faits accomplis and in favour of agreed solutions. The unilateral declaration of independence "is not fair and it is not based on principles of international law."

Addressing western officials, President Putin said that he "cannot term some people freedom fighters an term others who do the same thing terrorists."

Karamanlis, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos and Development Minister Christos Folias, also met with newly-elected Russian Federation President Dmitri Medvedev.


http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/sh...3433&service=6

[Boreas]

Russia and Greece to step on the gas
April 29, 2008, 17:42

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and President Vladimir Putin are stepping on the gas. They have signed the deal for the South Stream pipeline accord in Moscow.

To watch the news conference following the meeting of Greek Prime-Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Russia's President Vladimir Putin please follow the link.

"It’s a very good chess move as it combines three factors: defence, development and pre-emption, and Russians are good chess players. Gazprom is trying to defend its position in Europe by building yet another route bypassing Ukrainian. The company is trying to develop new markets. In this case, it’s southern Europe, which is not a traditional market for Russian gas. Also Gazprom is trying to pre-empt or block the flow of Central Asian gas via alternative routes designed to bypass Russia, and instead to encourage this flow to join South Stream, which will go through Russian territory,” Vitaly Yermakov from Cambridge Energy explained.

The joint venture between Russian gas giant Gazprom and Italy’s Eni costs around $US 14 billion. The 900-kilometre line will go via the Black Sea to Bulgaria and on into Europe.

Oil is another area of mutual interest, with Athens taking part in the Burgas-Alexandroupolis project.

“It's another way for Russia to transport its crude to Europe,” said Nelli Sharushkina from Energy Intelligence Group.

This oil pipeline starts in the Bulgarian port of Burgas and extends to the Greek city of Alexandroupolis, bypassing the busy Bosphorus and Dardanelles.

Construction will begin this year, and it’s estimated it will be completed by the beginning of 2011.

“Anyway you look at it, Europe will remain the main market for Russian energy. Russia's presence is very strong in northern Europe, in countries like Germany, but southern countries like Italy, Greece or Spain are quite new and Russia is seeking to strengthen its position there,” Nelli Sharushkina added.

Greece is becoming an energy hub, and is also likely to be a transit for trade.

Today it is an even more popular destination for Russian tourists, but the two countries are also brothers in arms.

A member of NATO, Greece still imports weaponry from Russia.

“Greece is primarily interested in three things: air defence, naval equipment, mainly landing ships, and ground machinery like armoured carriers,” said Ivan Konovalov from the Centre For Strategy & Technology Analysis.

The two leaders have met at least five times over the past couple of years. For Putin it’s a chance to say goodbye to possibly his last foreign guest as president.

http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/24096

[Boreas]

It’s Amateur Hour for Energy Policy

Our American friends are feeling particularly paternalistic these days toward Southeast Europe. It’s not something you’d expect of the departing Bushies at the State Department, but they do feel a need to leave with some kind of legacy, particularly after the fiasco at the Bucharest Summit last month, so they are apparently grasping at straws, at least last week.

The latest demonstration of Washington’s concern was to show interest in protecting Greece’s energy consumers from Gazprom’s “potentially rapacious” potential monopoly, if Moscow attempts to exploit it. This expression of concern came, of course, only after Greek Prime Minster Karamanlis signed a deal in Moscow on April 30 with President Putin to initiate work on the South Stream natural gas pipeline which will cross into Greek territory from Bulgaria and extend to Italy, dramatically increasing Greece’s strategic role as a Balkan energy hub. This new pipeline will complement the already-under-construction Turkish-Greek-Italy pipeline (TGI) which will deliver natural gas from Azerbaijan’s huge Shah Deniz gas field to Greece, and then to Italy by 2012, when completed. Most neutral observers - especially those with a bit of economics or business experience - see the Moscow deal as a shrewd energy source diversification gambit by Athens.

But, of course, this is not so in George Bush’s State Department, where senior officials in the European Bureau displayed annoyance with the Karamanlis- Putin agreement on South Stream since so much of their work had gone into getting their own TGI project rolling. US officials strongly disputed the idea that increased market efficiency would result from diversification. It has been suggested that departing Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for European Affairs (State Department) Matthew Bryza, a jovial fellow, pick up a consultancy with the Greek consumer protection agency for his hard work to keep Greek energy prices down!

But something is rotten here. First, DAS Bryza urged Greece to shelve or delay the South Stream project out of fear that Greece would somehow be content with it alone, and thus ignore its commitment to finish the TGI project. Thus, Greece would not be able to tap into the huge Azerbaijani gas reserves. Crazy. Second, Bryza presented the excessively simplified view that Greece is trapped between two pipeline alliances and ignored Greece’s pioneering early investments in the Revithoussa LNG marine terminal (near Athens) precisely to ensure the country’s energy independence. It has been operating since 2000, primarily importing Algerian LNG, and is freshly upgraded to handle increased quantities. It can now support substantial LNG storage and exports. Mr. Bryza also forgot that Greece has been importing Russian gas via older pipeline links (yes that’s Gazprom again) through Bulgaria since 1997. Selective memory can be painful.

The Greek opposition party, PASOK, strongly disputed Mr. Bryza’s statements - made in his Washington office to a select group of Greek journalists - but also admonished Greeks not to pay attention to the statements of “lower-level American officials.” This is a reference to the fact that Mr. Bryza is one of the so-called “baby DAS’s” at State, once a relatively junior official brought over by Secretary Rice and Assistant Secretary Fried when they transported themselves en masse from the National Security Council to State in 2005.

The State Department’s employee union has unsuccessfully but continuously protested this series of personnel decisions. Mr. Bryza worked previously for retired Ambassador Elizabeth Jones (as staff assistant) when she held the strategic pipeline “Special Emissary” slot at State, focusing on helping Central Asia overcome Russia’s energy transport monopoly.

Some Greeks have taken issue with the fact that Mr. Bryza is also married to a Turkish origin scholar at the conservative Washington-based Hudson Institute, Zeyno Baran, who supervises their Eurasian and energy work. I will leave it to you to decide who is watching out for which interests. Greek consumers beware; free advice from Washington is worth the price you pay for. Or less.

http://www.neurope.eu/articles/86297.php

[zefs]

I support nucleur power for Greece..Nuclear power considered

Greece should begin thinking about whether to build reactors, ministry says
The option of Greece turning to nuclear power to solve its energy and environmental problems was firmly put on the table by the Public Works and Environment Ministry yesterday.

Greece does not have any nuclear power plants but, in a statement released yesterday, the ministry indicated that a debate should begin on whether this form of energy could be adopted.

The ministry was reacting to comment by European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, who said that “nuclear energy does not belong to the group of renewable energy sources.”

Dimas was responding to questions from journalists at the Athens Summit on climate change. They had asked for his reaction to a statement by Public Works and Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias during his speech on Monday night, in which he reportedly suggested “nuclear power is green power.”

The ministry responded immediately in an attempt to put Souflias’s comments into context.

“What Mr Souflias was trying to do was… to open the public dialogue on a crucial matter,” the statement read. “Greece is gradually being surrounded by nuclear reactors. Shouldn’t the dialogue begin so that we can make clear our country’s position on the issue?”

The ministry went on to clarify what Souflias had meant in his speech and to criticize Dimas in what is turning out to be a personal tug of war between the two men.

“Mr Souflias never said that nuclear energy was a renewable source, as Mr Dimas attempted to claim. Mr Souflias said in his speech that the European Union now refers to nuclear energy as ‘green energy’ since it does not produce carbon dioxide or other pollutants.”

However, the ministry’s suggestion that the use of nuclear power in Greece is on the agenda provoked an instant response from opposition parties and environmentalists.

“If someone suggests the nuclear option in the face of climate change, it means that he is essentially importing one big threat that could be destructive for health, the environment and security, to replace another,” said Greenpeace.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w.../05/2008_96272

[zefs]

'Exploratory talks with Greece intensifying in recent years'
Exploratory meetings between Aegean neighbors Greece and Turkey over the issue of the continental shelf have intensified compared to the past, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan has said.


"The two committees conducting exploratory contacts meet once a month -- more often than before. And [they are] approaching matters with a positive view. We can not disclose the content, but on the road we can find some solutions. What is important is that there is political will," Babacan was quoted as saying in an interview with Greek daily Ta Nea. The English version of the interview was aired on the daily's Web page yesterday.

Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministry officials have been holding exploratory talks regarding the Aegean continental shelf since 2002. The latest round of exploratory talks between Greek and Turkish officials -- the 39th round -- took place in İstanbul on May 8. Ambassador Vasilios Pispinis, director of political affairs at the Greek Foreign Ministry, and Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan, undersecretary of Turkish Foreign Ministry, led the delegations at the meeting earlier this month.

http://www.todayszaman.com

[Draco]

Originally Posted by zefs

Exploratory meetings between Aegean neighbors Greece and Turkey over the issue of the continental shelf have intensified compared to the past, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan has said.

Greece has often suggested forwarding this issue to the International Court of Justice in the Hague, but the Turks refuse. The reason for this is that they know Greece will win. Any "compromise" outside the International Court would involve Greece relinquishing part of her legal rights. This is something Greece absolutely should not do without having received something of equal or more value in return from Turkey.