CNN İle Röportaj (İng.)

Interview with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Onur Oymen, broadcast on CNN / World Report on 5 February 1996
Q : What is the final situation in the Aegean crisis? Is it frozen or is it over?
A : Well, Turkey and Greece are two neighbors and two allies. We have common interests. We want to solve all problems through peaceful negotiations and dialogue. Although this crisis is now over, thanks to American diplomatic initiatives, we believe that to avoid further complications and problems, Turkey and Greece should start talking to each other on this and other issues in the Aegean.
Q o you expect Mr. Holbrooke to start the shuttle diplomacy in Greece this week?
A : Mr. Holbrooke is always welcome in Turkey. We will explain to him our views about the Aegean, and the necessity to start the dialogue between two neighboring countries. He has done a lot, through these diplomatic efforts to return to status quo ante on the ground and we believe that the American interest in this regard is a positive element. The main issue however is a direct Turkish-Greek dialogue on the Aegean and on other bilateral issues.
Q : We have heard that Mr. Holbrooke is coming with the plan that includes a hot-line between two foreign ministries or military agencies. How does Turkey see this?
A : We have not heard about this Holbrooke plan. But, we are happy that America is interested in the Aegean problems. We kept telling our allies that Aegean issues are extremely important and the solution of the Aegean problems in a peaceful way may pave the way for a better understanding and cooperation between Turkey and Greece. And it may also create a suitable atmosphere, a suitable climate in Cyprus between two sides on the Island.
Q :But, last week, we got so close to a war that do you really expect the dialogue to start in a couple of months?
A : Well, we believe that the situation we faced last week was a result of the absence of dialogue between the two sides. We understand that there are misconceptions about each other, and the most important issue at this moment is to start a dialogue. There are so many similar cases between other countries. How come that the other countries can resolve their problems through dialogue and, Turkey and Greece, two neighbors, two allied countries are not able to sit-down at a table. It is not conceivable.
Q :Also, regarding Greece’s relations with the European Union, and Turkey’s relations with the European Union, there is a rumour about or at least there is a declaration from the Greek government, that European Union’s financial aid to Turkey will be blocked or vetoed by Greece again.
A : There was a decision of the Council of the European Union -at the time it was European Community- during the full membership process of Greece that Greece’s membership to the European Union will, by no means, affect Turkey’s relations with the European Union. Which means that this document is above the law of the European Union. So, it is a sort of “acquis communautaire”. Therefore, we believe that Turkish-Greek problems should not affect the relations between the European Union and Turkey. And, also when we were talking with Mr. Holbrooke and the American administration about status quo ante, we did not mean that we should stop possible military confrontation and replace it by diplomatic confrontation. It was not our idea and I believe it was not American idea. Therefore, we believe that both countries should refrain any diplomatic action which might endanger the climate of their relations and make a possible reconciliation even more difficult.
Q :Was there a demand from the US side to cancel all possible future military exercises in the Aegean sea?
A :We have not heard such a demand. But, Turkey has always acted with utmost restraint in the Aegean. I am coming to the main point. One can not solve Aegean problems by refraining from this or that, but only by meaningful negotiations.