Greek PM to Haaretz: We could help mediate Middle East peace agreements
Papandreou lands in Israel after short stop in Cyprus, dismisses suggestion, raised by one of his hosts, that his visit was directly related to the Israeli-Turkish crisis.
By Avirama GolanGreece could help mediate peace agreements between Israel and its neighbors, its prime minister, George Papandreou, told Haaretz in an interview on Friday.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with his Greek counterpart George Papandreou in Jerusalem, July 22, 2010. |
| Photo by: Courtesy |
Asked if Greece would offer to mediate between Israel and Syria, he said "my father [a former prime minister] and I traditionally had close relations with many Arab leaders in the area. Yes, we could help. We won't impose ourselves but yes, we could help, it's in our interest and the interest of the Middle East."
Papandreou, 58, a former foreign and education minister, party leader and sociology expert, grew up in the thick of Greek political life. He took over as prime minister less than a year ago.
Papandreou landed in Ben-Gurion International Airport after a short stop in Cyprus, but dismissed the suggestion, raised by one of his hosts, that his visit was directly related to the Israeli-Turkish crisis.
"My visit was planned a long time ago. I've been thinking of forging closer ties with Israel for about two years. This is not my first visit to Israel. As chairman of Pasok [the Panhellenic Socialist Movement his father founded], I've had warm ties with the sister parties - Labor and Meretz - as well as the Palestinian sister parties - PLO and Barghouti's party," he said.
"Relations between the Greeks and the Jews go back many years." He did not go into detail, but Greek commentators say that in addition to the change in Greek public opinion regarding the history of Greek's Jews before and during the Holocaust, centrists and leftists are now encouraging Greece to expand its relations in the Middle East.
But Papandreou picks his words carefully. First, because he is called "the American," having been born to an American mother and having spent years abroad.
Second, because he is not interested in upsetting the fragile balance of power between Israel, Turkey and Greece; he is even less interested in spoiling the small improvement he achieved in his country's relations with Turkey over the past year.
Third, because the word "occupation" is a red rag to his voters, and as long as Israel does not withdraw from the occupied territories they won't hear of it as an ally.
On the eve of his trip to Cyprus, which marked 36 years of Turkish occupation, he told the Greek media "it is time to close the wound of the occupation." He also called on Turkey to demonstrate political goodwill for a just arrangement on the divided island.
As for the Israeli occupation, Papandreou says his position is clear. "We want to see the end of the occupation and the creation of a Palestinian state, a stable and viable state that would live in full cooperation and peace with Israel," he said. "Eventually it will be the best guarantee for Israel's security."
When an agreement is finally reached in Cyprus, it could serve as a model for the Israelis and Palestinians, he said.
Many Greek pundits do not believe Turkey is really willing or able to cut itself off from Europe and the United States and join the Muslim world. But they see the Israeli-Turkish crisis as an excellent strategic opportunity for Greece to establish economic, cultural, diplomatic and military ties with Israel. Economic cooperation would include tourism.
Despite the agreements between Turkey and Greece and the goodwill Papandreou showed at his visit with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately after Greece's October elections, Cyprus is only one point of friction between them.
Asked why he was visiting now, the first visit by a Greek prime minister in 30 years, Papandreou smiled and said "this is our neighborhood. I live in the area and I'm trying to be a good neighbor and help."
When asked about Syria, he said, "We depend on each other, all the countries depend on each other. If we don't work together and find a democratic, peaceful and just solution for our problems, our societies would be exposed to populism, xenophobia, polarization, violence, frustration and a rejection of democracy."
From the start of the crisis, Papandreou warned that Greece was on the edge of the abyss. On the other hand, he firmly resisted pressures by the European Union.
"Greek people feel they are not responsible for the crisis, but rather the politicians who misused the tax payers money," he said, explaining why he would not impose harsher decrees and cutbacks.
He admits there are difficulties, but lists a few successes as well. He sees every crisis as "an opportunity for the progressive people to save civilization from the lurking dangers."
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I wish all leaders in the region the courage and wisdom necessary to conclude a just and lasting peace for the sake of all people. Sincerely, Bruce Craig Roter, Composer of "A Camp David Overture (Prayer for Peace)" Now on Youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2au5SOYhO-8
Israel to Greeks, Turks and others who wish to mediate.....mind your own business, first and always! spend more time and effort on your own problems. you may get better results.
For decades, Greece has been buying weapons from Germany and keeping anti-Turkism as its policy. What happened then? Greece suffered famine following the WWII and who sent food and aid to them? Germans or Europeans? Of course not. Germans were busy stealing Greek golds and Europeans were busy stealing Greek antic artwork. It was the Turks who sent food to Greeks by ships and air to rescue them from starvation. But Greece again continued weapons race by buying more weapons from Germany, and fell into massive debt eventually. As we all saw recently, now the Germans and Europeans are laughing at Greece, making fun of Greek history and culture. Now, Papandreu is deciding to spend more money for weapons from Israel, and Greece is going even more downhill. Sad for the Greeks, more debt will follow. Good for Israel, Israel will make more money and most probably will spend it to build more settlements in the West Bank.
stronger ties with greece are surely a good thing. as a vacation country, greece is so much nicer then turkey. as for "cyprus model" --greek cyprus is a rich and modern society, the turkish part of cyprus is a backward outskirt of the meditarranean without industry or tourism. is that what papandreou meant?
The region is as dangerous as it used to be in the last five thousand years. Let us stand still for a moment and ponder what goes on here. Papandreou is not a great statesman. However, he does believe in co-operation and improved relation with all the paricipants of the conflicts all over the region. Papandreou does not project power, and hence he is an object of redicule. Greece deos nor project power due to its perennial internal conflict between the left and a non-existent right. a struggle for phantoms. This may not be the case for ever. All small talk is interesting but at the end of the day is there any future for the people of the region? I am afraid the future is bleak if we still discuss who did what during WWII. This is WWIV and we are in is. WAKE UP..
Why should Israel give any credence to this fool? The Greeks can't even balance their own budget. They are on the verge of dragging the whole EU into bankruptcy. There has to be something Biblical to say about this farce. How about: Take the board out of your own eye before you try to take the speck out of my eye!
This is a Joke.. During WW2.. while the Greeks were handing over Jews to the Nazis the Turkish Embasy in Germany was giving Turkish citizenships to the Jews to flee the holocaust. Just like the Turks opened its gates to receove the Jews Fleeing the Spanish attack on the Jews. I like your loyalty guys!
@ mickey: the persecution of Jews in Greece during WWII took place after this country was occupied by the Nazi's, just like it happened all over Europe. Around the same time, "neutral" Turkey signed friendship treaties with Nazi Germany and introduced a notorious wealth tax that aimed in annihilating all non-turkish minorities in the country including the Jews. http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4817/turkalmananlasmahf6.jpg
Mikey your knwodledge of WWII history is abysmal. Turkey sold materials and provided financlial assistance as the Swiss and other so called neutral countries. This helped extend the war for at least a year. How many Turks are honored in the Yav vashem? Compare that number the ones with Greek last names. I rest my case. Next time before you write make sure you use your brain
Isn't it funny, that when the Greeks were supportive of the Flottila to Gaza, just a few days ago when Greeks demonstrated in in front of an EL AL aircraft, all Greeks where called all sorts of obscenities. However, now that Papandreou is kissing Netanyahu's ass, all of a sudden, Israelis and Greeks are long lost brothers!!
Bravo! A good regional and pro-Western axis between Israel, Greece and Cyprus (the free part of it) - against the totalitarian and barbarian regimes of the area. Go Yorgo, go!
There have been the US, Turkey as mediators between Israel-Palestinians and Israel-Syria. There were also countless direct talks between Israel and Arabs. But, all were useless and will be useless, because no side wants peace. Israel wants to continue building, it's interested in expanding. Palestinians are divided and and shattered. Third parties who claim to be mediators are only saying this as a useless talk to balance the situation between the sides. Greece for decades supported Arabs militarily, politically and financially. Now, it's seeing a chance to take Israel to Greek side against Turkey. But, not a very wise move as Israel will sell Greece more military equipment and anti-Turkish propaganda, and poor Greece will get even poorer by buying more weapons and drowning in debts. Turks won't get affected at all as Turks are building their own alliance circle in the Balkans and the Middle East. Turkey is taking over markets in these regions, forming pacts with Balkan and Middle Eastern states. Also Turks just made a pact today with ASEAN. If Greece is wise enough, they should make effort to improve relations with Turkey to decrease Greece's defense budget and to improve its economy. Buying weapons from Israel cannot improve already terribly troubled Greek economy.
Turkey, the real power in the mid-east would never let Israel forget that and there would never be peace. The Greek is trying to deflect attention from the looming populist revolution in his own country to oust him.
Papandreou always has been an Internationalist. He does believe for better relations among countries. Learn more about him before you talk.
Some people are so funny! LOL You underestimate the Kemalist-Turkish Military! If need be they will see that Erdogan is no longer in power! AKP is drowning which is why they pull pathetic stunts to stay in power or gain a few votes! Kemalism is on the rise and will never dissolve! Turkey will always be "Ataturks Turkey" whether some people like it or not! Greece as a mediator?? LOL Everybody knows Turkey's geographical and strategic importance in the political realm! ;-) If Her allies want to push her in the arms of Russia and China then all I can say is OH WELL! :-)
Greek relations with Jews or Israel in the past 3,000 years have never been good. And antisemitism / anti Israel feelings by Greeks is strong.
Glad you are in Israel. Mediterranean business ties for a Union will mean better relations between all the countries. The cold war is over.
Glad you are in Israel. Mediterranean business ties for a Union will mean better relations between all the countries. The cold war is over.
Are you expecting to be solved the ME problem by a county that her prime minister has not never visited Israel last 30 years!
Greek PM also knows he cannot solve a thing in the ME, there are the whole Greeks burning and assasinating each other who needs to be calmed down first. Papandreu is a good man but he is risking his already shaky government by visiting Israel. Most Greeks call him 'the American' or even 'the Hebrew' to show their distrust to him. And now visiting Israel is just making it worse. in the eyes of those Greeks.
The hell with Turkey, they're moving away from the west anyway and into the radical Muslim camp; who needs them. Israel and Greece both have reason to forge closer ties. Go for it!! I for one will never visit Turkey; I'll spend my tourism dollars in Greece. It's a much nicer country anyway.
Writing in English in order to avoid the Haaretz press staff not publishing my message, otherwise I would have chosen Turkish only. I think I understand the reason that you follow Israeli newspapers, possibly it is to learn what foreigners think and see the events from a different perspective. I too believe that before having a judgement on an issue, it is essential to have views from all available angles, read the pro and con ideas. This is fine. But what I do not understand is, what do you aim by quarrelling with these people by sending comments to the Israeli news sites? Don't you have anything better to do instead? Why waste time with these people? I think that you also recognize that they are mostly prejudiced and uninformed regarding our country and people. Wouldn't it be a better of using time by doing something for the good of our beloved Turkey and Turkish nation instead of writing comments to the foreign web sites?
I first came here to read to learn how people would react on the situation about flotilla and today I am finally fully convinced that Israelies doesnt deserve any pity or empaty at all. Their view is strong, one sided and what ever you say or do, they always find a lie to cover or just throw some mud at you that is not related to the subject just to make up for their stupidness. And I felt that the peacefull Israelis are very few. This is why I came to read and what I learned and my conclusion is to continue reading learning and always reminding my self, most of these people didnt even say sorry for the people who have died. As you know brother, everybody belaives that Turkish people has a short political memory, thats right for some cases but that is also because we like forgiving the mistaken ones, and accept them with us again in the country or international doesnt matter. Because life is too short to be enemies. But we shall never forget the arrogance of these people and the comments they made about us. And maybe not you or me will see it brother but the biggest fear of them shall come true one day, a day not very far away. They know it they feel it this is why they are acting this reckless but this time they kicked the wrong stone and maybe not today not tomorrow, they will say "we shoudnt've done this" but not political correctness, but with regret.
I follow all Turkish media daily on the Internet in Turkish . I read the comments in Hurriyet Milliyet and haberturk. If I would judge Turkish peopple as per these comments I would say that it is the worlds most racist nation with the worst kind of prejudices and a desire to make war. however I have many old friends in Turkey who are the opposite. Just remember that when you come to Haaretz and attack Israel and Jews (Zionist as yo uprefer to call) you will get harsh replies. Don't generalize by that. And keep open minded. Every coin has two faces. What seems to be right to your eye might be wrong to another.
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. THERE IS NO REASON WHY GREEKS SHOULD BE SO CLOSE POLITICALLY WITH THE ARAB WORLD. HISTORICALLY, CULTURALLY AND EVEN FROM THE RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW, GREECE AND ISRAEL SHOULD BE CLOSER. GAP (George A Papandreou) JUST MADE WHAT MANY OF HIS PREDECESSORS SHOULD HAVE MADE LONG AGO.
Might as well bring Sarah Palin to help Papandreou with the negotiations.
Many international players expressed their readiness to mediate the "peace process" in the middle east. As a result, the number of these mediators has increased to bypass the number of peace seekers. This would only makes us think that what is needed is not more peace mediators (which is of course something noble) but we need people who want peace instead. For me "peace mediators" shall be replaced by "occupation stoppers". As because there is occupation in the ME, there is, therefore, no peace. Whatever the ME countries and people do, Israel as an occupying power, is the one responsible about war and peace. No once can deny the fact that Israel is occupying the Palestinians in every possible way and in many different forms. Political, scientific, educational, resource, social occupation, etc.. Once the world decides to stop the occupation and stand against the "idea of controlling others by force" in the name of security or whatever, peace may prevail. The world should unite to stop every occupation in the world and that would be the absolute form of peace mediation.
C'mon, let Papandreou try! After all the difficult times the Middle East have gone through recently, It would be good for us all to have a laugh!! And then, when Papandreou wakes up from dream land, he will realise what a big mistake he has made! Anyway, on a more serious note, he can't be meeting Netanyahu to talk about ME peace process. No offence to our Greek neighbours, but even he knows that no one in the ME will take the suggestion seriously. Who will he talk to? Assad has made it VERY clear that talks between Israel and Syria must involve Turkey. Iran certainly don't trust Greece. And the Palestinians wouldn't entertain the notion either... Hey, we are all allowed to dream though huh? No, he is there to try and capitalize on the current situation between Turkey and Israel... We all know, international politics is a giant game of chess. I have to say, that Papandreou doesn't seem to be playing it very well.
or did you consider that a respectable effort? sorry to continue with your chess cliche, you seem to think that in this ME game, there are only the king and queen. In fact there are many pieces and if used correctly, even a pawn could become very instrumental.
If turkey was so important why do you believe you have been refused in our club? We will veto you until you liberate Cyprus
But as far as Turkish mediation and Davutoglu's policies we already know that he tried and failed. But you can keep on laughing as much as you can, they say laughing is very healthy. Enjoy it.
Islamist Turkey cannot act as a mediator. Go dream yourself.
Which is why I would encourage Papandreou to try! We all like a bit of entertainment... As I said though, I really don't think his discussions with Netanyahu is about Greece's desire to get involved in the peace talks... What is clear though David, is your naivety...
That's why he is there (and Greece needs every penny). Israeli tourists are not welcome in Turkey with hostile and vile rubbish coming from the mouth of Erdogan every day (who would have thought this nation who murdered over 1,000,000 Armenians in a genocide would criticize every little action of Israel and speak such nonsense while they kill the Kurds. Typical Middle Eartern logic. Go figure?) . Israeli tourists were spending 300 million dollars in Turkey, Papandeau wants some of that tourism money and Israel should oblige. The Greek Islands are amazing - no comparrison to Turkey (I have visited both). Santorini. Mykonos. Samos. All amazing. Go there.
And you think it needs Papandreou to visit Netanyahu to achieve that do you? For many many years, Israelis have always had the option to go to Greece as well as Turkey. However, they still chose Turkey over Greece? Curious... Interestingly, whilst Israeli tourists would always be welcome in Turkey, it is worth noting that if indeed that is the case, it may be actually doing Turkey a favour. Looking at it on an economical point of view (rather than political), the spending habits of the average Israeli tourist isn't that great. It is also known that certain Arab tourists spend considerably more. You just sound like a bitter and twisted Israeli...
What exactly the hell the Greeks ever did for Israel? On the contrary, they seem one of the most antisemitic European countries and that with the direct support of its orthodox church.
I am sure the greek islands are nice places to visit. But israeli people are welcome to turkey.This isn't my words. This is what Erdogan says. We will show our hospitality to you including Erdogan
sadly I am leary whenever non Americas try to have "peaceful" relations with Israel I get the feeling you are right and they are looking to get some of that tourist money that Turkey lost
The rhetoric might indeed been anti semitic but not the deeds.
This guy is an idiot, if he thinks anybody in the arab world is going to listen to a single word he has to say.
everyone knows the leaders of the Arab/Muslim world today are ahmedinejad and Edrogan . One thing is for sure, to gain credibility, he is going to have to do something anti-israel/US soon, otherwise the greek might as well not bother, regardless of the merit of the actual ideas. kinda sad, no?
I do not think this is: enemy of my enemy is my friend situation. Papandreu knows very well, Turkey if far more important than Israel for Greece. He has no luxury to be enemy with Turkey. Now Greece can not even provide money for "dog fights" which I think should be ended by both sides.
you will need it as he takes over your media,military, police,judicuiary and changes the constitution.
he might change the constitution and limit the pwers of the army but he won't achieve anything in foreign relations because all his actions are in reality only for domestic issues.
Dogfights will end when Turkish warplanes stop overflying Greek territory. Zito Ellada!
It does not cause a problem for Turkey as long as this prospect cooperation is not against a third country. Personally, I support regional cooperations coz it is the real warranty for the peace. As to Cyprus issue, united or divided, turkish cypriots want the solution (in fact turkish cypriots are happy in their de facto state) but greek side wants a united island without giving any warranty to turkish community and they showed it by refusing Annan's UN plan. Mediation of Greece in Middle east? Mediator should have a positive contribution to the process. Eventhough Papandreu has a peaceful character, greece can not play a constructive role in middle east.
he is up to something! free palestine first
yes yes, give give, this guy might actually start a serious negotiation, not like the terrorist Edrogan
yes yes, give give, this guy might actually start a serious negotiation, not like the terrorist Edrogan
After all, who knows more about Turkish aggression than the Greeks? (Yes, I know that turkey is not "all the "all the Arabs surrounding Israel", but the correlation is too apt top deny - especially lately)