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| CORD MAIL CLUB |
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| This week's poll |
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| H.E. Christos Panagopoulos, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic |
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 Neighbourly Support“I am confident that, as Serbia’s path towards the EU continues, at some point in the near future Serbian citizens will no longer be under the obligation to apply for Schengen visas.” Greece is both a Balkan country and an EU member. Since the country became of full member of the then EC (now EU) back in 1981, Greece has enjoyed consistent political stability and development, with economic growth above the EU average since the mid-1990s. This month we speak to outgoing Greek Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Christos Panagopoulos, about Serbia’s own progress towards the EU and other burning issues. By Vladan Alimpijević Greece is both a Balkan country and an EU member. Since the country became of full member of the then EC (now EU) back in 1981, Greece has enjoyed consistent political stability and development, with economic growth above the EU average since the mid-1990s. This month we speak to outgoing Greek Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Christos Panagopoulos, about Serbia’s own progress towards the EU and other burning issues.  After the EU summit in Thessaloniki back in 2003, it appeared that Serbia was
virtually knocking on the door of the EU. Has that opportunity now passed Serbia
by; and could the countries of this region expect the same kind of success and
quick development enjoyed by Greece once they become members of the Union?
EU integration and the goal of accession is evidently a key issue for Serbia. As you know, there is currently a discussion within the EU about enlargement in general, as it is obvious that we have reached a critical point regarding the future. Personally, I would not be overly concerned about the final conclusion of the process, as the EU has a long history of overcoming problems and arriving at solutions that achieve general consent. My own country has been one of the most ardent supporters of EU enlargement towards the Balkans, based on our strong belief that this will contribute to the social and economic development of the whole region. Our own experience of participation in the EU has been overwhelmingly positive. Similarly, in our view, all Balkan states stand to benefit from their admission to an organisation clearly recognised as a major political and economic power in the world. More importantly, the EU is a family of nations that embrace the same values of democracy and humanism. Entry into the EU would mean that all the countries of our neighbourhood that respect these values would take their rightful place within this family. Is there understanding in Athens for Belgrade’s official current stance of ’yes’ to the EU and ’no’ to NATO? It is a fact that each country determines its own national priorities. Although several Balkan countries have chosen to combine their Euro-Atlantic prospects, no doubt expecting to multiply their benefits by their participation in both the EU and NATO, the two organisations are by no means interlinked; entry into one organisation does not require participation in the another. It seems certain that the countries which have recognised Kosovo’s independence will not change their stance. Bearing that in mind, how do you expect the issue of Kosovo to be resolved? The decision of the UN General Assembly to request the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Kosovo issue was a significant diplomatic success for Serbia. Greece was one of the countries that voted in Serbia’s favour on this issue, on the basis of our firm support of the rule of law in international affairs. Moreover, we are, in principle, in favour of mutually acceptable solutions with the primary consideration being the stability of our region. 
After decades of turmoil, it appears that a solution to the Cyprus problem is
getting closer. And although Cyprus is an independent state, Greece has always
expressed a special interest and shown specific sensitivity to the issue. Can
parallels be drawn between Kosovo and Cyprus; and would the resolution of the
Cyprus issue bring Turkey closer to the EU? There are quite a few significant differences between Cyprus and the Kosovo issue. In Cyprus we have the invasion and occupation of part of an internationally recognised state by a neighbouring state, namely Turkey. The illegal entity of “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” is recognised solely by its creator, Turkey. In any case, we sincerely hope that talks between President Christofias and Mr. Talat will yield results and the division of the island will finally come to an end. If the Cyprus issue is resolved, Turkey’s path towards the EU will be facilitated. Having said that, this is not the only obstacle standing in the way of Turkey’s accession to the EU: Turkey has a number of other criteria to fulfil, both economic as well as political. How do you view the expanding role of Russia globally, and particularly on the Balkans – where Serbia has become the main partner and ally of Moscow? The ties between Russia and the Balkan countries have traditionally been strong, due to a shared cultural heritage and Russia’s geopolitical interests. This is especially true in the case of Serbia, where we see an even closer co-operation now, most notably in the energy sector and the development of new gas pipelines. How is Greece prepared to compromise over the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, or does this question go beyond merely official names? Our position is well-known. We are in favour of a name with a geographic qualifier that clearly distinguishes the state of FYROM from Greek Macedonia, applicable erga omnes. Greece has consistently displayed good will and its sincere wish to reach a mutually acceptable agreement with FYROM. However, I am not very optimistic, since lately we have been receiving negative messages from the other side and have noted a hardening of their position regarding several important points. In any case, Greece will continue to work towards a definitive solution of the issue KOSOVO The decision of the UN General Assembly to request the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Kosovo issue was a significant diplomatic success for Serbia. CYPRUS If the Cyprus issue is resolved, Turkey’s path towards the EU will be facilitated. Having said that, this is not the only obstacle standing in the way of Turkey’s accession… MACEDONIA Our position is wellknown. We are in favour of a name with a geographic qualifier that clearly distinguishes the state of FYROM from Greek Macedonia, applicable erga omnes. Serbian citizens have never, in modern history, been able to travel to Greece without a visa, while others - from nations with significantly fewer ties and shared afinities – have enjoyed that privilege for decades. Why is that? As you know, Greece participates in the Schengen system. That means that there is a common European policy that has to be applied by all Schengen states. Greece has always advocated for the liberalisation of the visa regime with all Western Balkan countries, Serbia in particular, as we are very interested in facilitating our Serbian friends who wish to visit Greece. To that end, over recent years the Greek Embassy has taken several steps aimed at simplifying and speeding up the process of the issuance of visas, thus eliminating previously common queues of applicants. I am confident that, as Serbia’s path towards the EU continues, at some point in the near future Serbian citizens will no longer be under the obligation to apply for Schengen visas. Although our national cultures are very close, there is not much hands-on knowledge of the Greek culture and language in Serbia. It is true that there is a great interest in Greek culture here in Serbia, reflecting the bonds linking our two peoples. I am pleased to announce that a Greek cultural centre (branch of the Hellenic Foundation of Culture) will soon operate in Belgrade. Its mission will be to serve as the main reference point for Serbian citizens wishing to get acquainted with the Greek language and cultural life, as well as to enrich bilateral cultural relations. Will you take any specific image of Belgrade with you when you leave In my mind, Nebojša’s Tower stands as a powerful symbol of the spirit of unity and brotherhood between Greece and Serbia. As you know, it was in the tower that Rigas Velestinlis, a Greek who envisaged the unification of the entire Balkan region, was assassinated during Ottoman rule. I am proud to say that the Greek side is actively assisting, also with a significant financial contribution, in the restoration of Nebojša’s Tower. What are your impressions of Serbia, the country’s elite and her national interests; and who would you singleout as your favourite personality in Serbia? My impressions of your beautiful country are extremely positive. I have had the pleasure of spending more than three years here and I have come to appreciate the open and lively spirit, as well as the hospitality, of Serbian people. It would be very hard for me to single out any single individual from the many people I have come to know here. I have been privileged to form friendly relations with people coming from different backgrounds, such as political leaders, professors, artists…I will always treasure the good times we had during my stay in Serbia. As my mission here is approaching its end, I am happy for any contribution I have made to further developing the relations between Greece and Serbia. Ours is indeed a unique case of two neighbouring nations continuing their paths through time in the spirit of mutual understanding and appreciation of the traits and interests of each other. The Greek-Serbian friendship is not an abstract notion, but a reality which I have witnessed firsthand, and I am sure it will endure. PARTING SENTIMENT As my mission here is approaching its end, I am happy for any contribution I have made to further developing the relations between Greece and Serbia. Ours is indeed a unique case of two neighbouring nations continuing their paths through time in the spirit of mutual understanding and appreciation of the traits and interests of each other.
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