Cyprus is EU and UN business
The Cyprus issue is at a crucial stage. Why doesn’t NATO play a role there? Why don’t you take the initiative? That is a good question. I think it is because the problem is more related to the EU, and there is a UN mandate as well. As we say in Germany, too many cooks spoil the broth. We have always played a major role when it comes to the Greek-Turkish relationship. NATO has always played a very positive role in that respect. Maybe we need somebody else to do something at this time. If the Cyprus negotiations do not have a positive outcome, and Turkey does not get an accession date from the EU, do you think relations between Greece and Turkey will worsen? No. My impression is that the bilateral relationship has improved in the past months and years in a way that nobody had foreseen. From my perspective, I don’t think the Greek government and the Turkish government are prepared to go back. Both know what is at stake there and nobody wants to spoil the progress that has been achieved in that, which is great. I’ve spent many years at NATO and a lot has been done. There are risks still, but we should not underestimate the progress.
