MEP Fragkos to GCT: Greeks and Armenians have a common experience going back 2,000 years

Although a qualified veterinarian, which allowed him to serve in the medical services of the Greek military during his compulsory conscription, he joined the Hellenic Solution “in order to face the reasons and the actors that spread misery in Greek society. Plus, I believe we have to urgently find solutions for our national issues.”

 

Greek City Times spoke with MEP Emmanouil Fragkos on a variety of issues, including Greek-Turkish relations, the European Council, as well as the situation in Armenia, Syria and elsewhere.

 

1) We had a very turbulent 2020 between the COVID-19 pandemic and Turkish hostilities, but it was also a year that saw huge changes in Greece. Greece improved its relations with many non-EU/NATO countries like Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and India. Is Greece heading in the right direction in terms of its foreign policy and what could be improved?

 

Greece must always invest in its relations with major third countries. Personally, I have taken specific initiatives for all the countries that you refer to.

 

Firstly, and sadly, I was the only Greek MEP that voted against an anti-Egyptian resolution.

 

Indeed the Egyptian regime is not flawless but if it collapses, the “gates of hell will open”: The Muslim Brotherhood will be re-established, Egypt will fall under Turkish influence, and the country – which is the only Arab country that currently does not send away but, instead, receives migrants – will be destabilised. A new “Arab Spring”.

 

No other Greek MEP thought of it this way.

 

I have co-signed a Written Question to the Commission, supportive of the Abraham Accords, wishing to bring the UAE, Bahrain and Israel closer to the EU.

 

I have tabled a few pro-Indian amendments and I am in constant communication with Indian diplomats. Recently, we started discussing an initiative in order to counter Islamic extremism in both the EU and India.

 

Guess which country supports this extremism!

 

You thought right. Turkey.

 

Also, I am proud of my attempts to create bridges with Russia. It is true that for certain EU countries Russia is seen as an enemy, but for long-term Greek interests, we have to reach out to Russia. I envisage the end of this New Cold War, starting from a decision that the EU did take against Russia but failed to take against Turkey.

 

2) 2020 was one of the most tense and difficult years in Greek-Turkish relations, but many in the European Union were not willing to acknowledge this reality or willing to impose sanctions against Turkey. What is the best way moving forward for the European Union to de-escalate Turkish hostilities against Greece and Cyprus?

 

I would identify this problem with the European Council. Different countries have a variety of interests with Turkey. Certainly, often there are publicly unspoken reasons that lead foreign affairs.

 

Certain cases that we can explain are, for instance, Germany’s exports to Turkey, Spanish and Italian fears over their economy, Malta’s banking sector and Azeri money.

 

Clearly, certain colleagues in the European Parliament expect some support from the Turkish lobby in return for their positive stance towards Turkey. I would propose that you search the stance of MEPs from Left parties in countries with big Turkish communities.

 

I keep on repeating that they should prioritise legality, solidarity and democratic values.

 

3) Turkey has been so emboldened due to the lack of repercussions that it partially reopened Varoshia in occupied northern Cyprus in violation of United Nations resolutions. At a European level, what can be done to not only reverse the partial reopening of Varoshia, but bring a final settlement to the Cyprus issue?

 

We need to try to implement the UN Security Council Resolutions. How can this be? Our major tool is trade. We must remember the illegitimate action of Turkey and push the EU to impose sanctions.