Summit Meeting of the SEECP

Istanbul, 23 June 2010 — Dear colleagues, significant progress has been made in SE Europe, in terms of democratisation, human rights, establishing the rule of law, combating organised crime and corruption, and working towards a more stable and economically viable neighbourhood. However, political, economic and social problems still persist. As a result, hard work is needed, in areas such as good neighbourly relations, and improving the pace of implementing reforms, which is neither always nor everywhere satisfactory. Furthermore, issues touching on the rule of law, corruption, and organised crime continue to be major priorities... More »

Reply to a Topical Question

Senate Hall, Parliament, 30 April 2010 — I would like to start with a general comment on issues pertaining to our foreign policy. It has to be made clear that we may not confound two totally different things. One thing is the international battle we are fighting for our the economy of our country, as well as the protection of our common currency, namely the negotiations we are holding to ensure the low-interest loan and the country’s borrowing; another thing are our national affairs... More »

Imperative need to activate the support mechanism

Castelorizo, 23 April 2010 — Yesterday, the data regarding the real level of the 2009 deficit were released. They reminded all of us of the inexplicable errors, omissions, criminal choices and the avalanche of problems that we inherited from the previous government. All of us - the present government and the Greek people - have inherited a ship that is about to sink. A country without prestige... More »

Visit at Jerusalem’s Holocaust Museum

Jerusalem, Israel, 22 July 2010 — It is difficult to describe in words what one feels, going through the memories of the Holocaust, and it is a reminder, a constant reminder, to all of us that we must cherish and protect each and every one’s rights for the best of humanity, for the good of humanity, and that when even one person in the world is threatened, or his or her rights are violated, it’s a violation of the rights of all of us... More »

'There is real danger in global austerity

Athens, 10 August 2010 — Globalization is not a neutral thing driven by some higher force. It is a process which we must guide or regulate and put into a framework of values. Why do we want globalization? How does it help humanity? How do we address global challenges like poverty, climate change and energy security not just from a narrow economic viewpoint, but also from a broader perspective? In other words, can global capitalism be humanized, or will it just be allowed to run rampant, allowing the forces... More »