Greece, 2000

I express my sincere

congratulations to the President on his election. I am

certain his qualities and skills will bring a successful

conclusion to the fifty-fifth session. May I also extend

congratulations to Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, his

predecessor, on what he achieved. Finally, I endorse

the European Union's priorities paper, which was

developed by Hubert Vedrine, the President of the

Council of the European Union.

Some believe that violence might be an intrinsic

part of humanity. But so are humanity's relentless

efforts to rule out violence, regulate antagonism,

peacefully resolve confrontational situations and

prevent hatred and prejudice. Whether we come

together to understand each other or to debate each

other, our goal has always been to better our lives and

build a more secure future.

Since ancient times, we have attempted to

establish norms of peaceful coexistence. In this effort,

we have built traditions and religions, as well as

political structures. Through these norms we have tried

to battle a fate seemingly dictated by force, poverty,

oppression, prejudice, chronic and communicable

diseases, inequality and a withering environment.

Throughout history, our efforts have taken

various forms. But they have all commenced with a

unique first step: the overriding principle that, in order

to solve our problems, we need to work together.

This month is being marked by two events that

will bring the peoples of our world much closer: the

Millennium Assembly and the Olympic Games. At the

dawn of the twenty-first century, nations will meet,

compete, clash, differ and disagree. Yet our world has

never looked more united or more determined to tackle

its problems as one, indivisible community.

In the current environment, our efforts to build a

better world for our children can and ought to be pan-

cosmic. We can all contribute to a future that inspires

our children and inspires the will to grow and to create.

As the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, has very

wisely said,

“We face global challenges which oblige us

to work together. If that is true in the economic

and social sphere, it applies even more to the

challenge of massacre and war”.

These words command even more authority coming

from a man whose political skill, moral authority and

devotion have contributed, in numerous cases, to the

resolution of conflicting issues.

When a child misses its childhood and its

education because it is in a dark prison cell, when a

child is maimed from the explosion of a mine or when

a child dies of hunger, of AIDS or in war, we do not

witness just a tragic event. We do not witness only the

sad state of some distant community. In today's world,

when we see a child die, we lose another ray of hope

that our global community will come together as one,

that we shall live in peace and that we will finally

tackle the challenges we all face together.

In Greece, we have become deeply conscious of

this reality. What goes on in our neighbourhood

directly affects the way in which our children will grow

and develop. So we have made a commitment to our

world and, more specifically, to our region, and it is

this commitment that I have come to share with the

Assembly today.

The two global events of this September — this

Assembly and the Olympic Games — symbolize the

beginning of an era for my country. After this

ministerial week of the General Assembly, Greece will

raise the Olympic flag in Sydney. For the second time

in almost a century, the international community will

bestow upon Athens the responsibility of the

Olympiad.

Over the next four years, Athens has committed

itself to run both an athletic and a cultural Olympiad.

Today, I commit our county to an Olympiad for peace:

four years of the most relentless efforts and a

commitment to the international community to fight

against the evils that have kept our community of

nations at war, under totalitarianism and under

oppression.

I pledge today that when the Olympic flame of

our ancestors rises over the Athenian sky, it will light

up more than a shiny stadium. It will light up a whole

area of fighting for peace, democracy and justice. The

next four years — the years that coincide with this

Greek Olympiad — will set of the stage upon which

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the future event will unfold. The globalization of the

economy, the increased power of the media and rapid

developments in information technology,

communications and biotechnology are just some of

these new challenges.

Globalization, while creating incredible wealth

for many, fosters conditions for conflict and poverty.

The new economy cannot be dominated by interests,

and must be monitored to promote both democracy and

human security. For the next four years, Greece will

take an active role in international forums to do its part

in dealing with this problem of globalization. That is

why Greece has also enthusiastically accepted an

invitation to join the Human Security Network.

Human rights laws alone cannot provide for

human rights; they must be strengthened by civic

responsibility and democratic institutions. We need to

create structures that will reach beyond the democratic

deficits of the global community. We need to create

regional cooperation, build civic structures and

community services and work with non-governmental

organizations. We need to educate our citizens and our

societies in making this process their own and allow

their voice to be heard.

This, in our view, is the role of the United

Nations. This honourable Organization can and must

bridge the gap between the global challenges we face

and the democratic deficits that exist in our global

culture. We believe that now is the time to turn the

United Nations from an Organization working to

globalize democracy into an Organization that is also

able to democratize the process of globalization. The

Millennium Summit agenda is proof that the

international community shares these views.

Initiatives taken within the United Nations can

make our world a better place. Let me use a single but

powerful example. On 7 September, nations were

invited to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on the

involvement of children in armed conflicts.

Whatever the causes of modern-day brutality

towards children, the time has come to call for a halt —

to call for a truce. The most fundamental principle is

that children should have no part in war. This is only

one of the initiatives that Greece will actively support

in the international arena in the coming years.

At the same time, our view of the purpose of

international organizations comes from the rich

experience we have amassed in our region. Starting

with the war in Kosovo, my country has been deeply

involved in the events unfolding in the area. We

believe that the lessons of this involvement can greatly

contribute to the work of these organizations. We are

eager to share our experience with the international

community.

We believe that stability in our region is a

prerequisite for Greek security, and we define stability

to mean the practice of democracy, the strengthening of

institutions that provide transparency and

accountability, the reduction of economic inequalities

and the rule of law in our societies and between our

countries. Our security lies in being a member of the

European Union and of the North Atlantic Treaty

Organization, and we work so that countries in the

region may benefit from the stabilizing influence of

their future membership in these institutions.

During the Kosovo war, my colleagues in

neighbouring countries and I decided to cooperate

closely to alleviate human suffering and avoid further

instability in our region. We grew to understand that

our fates were intrinsically linked. As a result, we were

compelled to discover ways to increase our cooperation

and effectiveness in dealing with our problems. We

would otherwise have been condemned to constant

strife, conflict and isolation in the world. In the next

four years, Greece will build upon this base. We are

determined to transform the plight of a war and its

brutal memories into an opportunity for generations to

come.

Through this process, I hope that Greece has

managed to inspire in the international community the

importance of a consistent, universal and unifying

policy towards South-Eastern Europe. From Bosnia to

Cyprus, we have the same objectives: we want the

countries in the region to be integral, peaceful and

democratic; we want them to remain multicultural; and

we want them to join the European Union. Yugoslavia,

too, is an essential part of this political framework. We

strongly desire to see the return of Yugoslavia to

Europe. I would like to endorse my Romanian

colleague's call to rethink our policy on sanctions,

which often do more to serve purposes contrary to

those for which we are striving.

34

That is our message. Even though it is simple

sounding, our message is a radical break from the past,

when favouritism, cold-war intricacies and double

standards consistently broke the spirit of the people in

the region. Now is the time to put an end to that. We

must stop redrawing borders around ethnically

homogeneous communities while compelling them to

seek the favours of greater Powers. In the next four

years, we will commit Greece to an effort to transform

the multitude of races, religions and ethnicities in the

region into an instrument of solidarity and stability —

a beautiful kaleidoscope of creative, multicultural

cooperation.

Greece's vision for the Balkans is one of a region

in which democracy finally becomes the norm; where

citizens' aspirations can finally be realized through

peaceful and democratic practices; where the rights of

minorities are respected; and where Governments are

accountable, economies are transparent and politics

allow for the fullest participation of all elements of

society.

The world has a responsibility in supporting this

vision for our region. We need to empower the region,

which has historically been handicapped, dependent

and divided by a world community of competing

interests and a babble of conflicting signals. This

balkanization of the region must be replaced by

coordination of international efforts.

This is why we have actively supported and

promoted this new vision within the international

community. Last year our efforts helped more than 40

countries develop a unique contract between the

international community and south-eastern Europe. The

contract was coined the Stability Pact. We have a clear

sense of how the Stability Pact can achieve its goals

and it is an optimistic sign that the European Union,

the United States and Russia cooperate closely within

its framework. Regional integration can also be

achieved as the Stability Pact promotes investment in

infrastructure projects. Education is a primary goal and

a strategy for democratic leadership and institution-

building, which will stimulate economic growth and

will bring us together. The pact actively promotes

respect for the rule law among States and peoples in

the region.

Our stand in international organizations and our

agenda for the next four years is coloured also by our

recent experience with Turkey. The earthquakes that

shook Greece and Turkey a year ago created a new

climate for the first time in our recent history. Tragedy

generated a genuine feeling of human warmth.

Spontaneous and dramatic acts of fraternity and

solidarity were expressed. Our mandate was clear. Our

peoples desire to live in peace together.

Since the earthquakes, Greeks and Turks are

using every opportunity to explore their newly found

neighbours, and to come together, meet, exchange

experiences and make up for lost time. On a bilateral

level we have signed 10 agreements that will radically

change the environment in which we interact; in one

year, 10 agreements. We do not view these

developments as a momentary result of what was lately

coined as seismic diplomacy. We view them as the

beginning of a long process that will radically affect

our lives in the coming years.

We have opened a dialogue; one that is honest.

And although we may differ and do differ on many

issues, such as how we see Cyprus or how we approach

our bilateral relations, this open approach can only lead

to a progressive resolution of our problems. When I

speak today I know that those of the Turkish side will

not or may not agree on many issues. But they know

we are honest. We are honest in what we say and in our

desire for a new and peaceful relation.

I believe that Greece and Turkey have no choice

but to explore new avenues for cooperation. I believe

our mutual interests can outweigh our political

differences. We can and must resolve these differences

through peaceful means; peaceful means of that of the

International Court of Justice.

The European Union's decision to upgrade

Turkey's status to that of a candidate country in

Helsinki in December marked an historic turning point

in Greek-Turkish relations. Helsinki does not signal the

end of Greece's efforts; it represents the beginning of a

new and equally courageous Greek initiative. In this

context, we are ready also to further discuss

confidence-building measures between Greece and

Turkey.

I do not want to give the false impression that all

our problems have suddenly been resolved. It is also

most distressing that a variety of statements and acts

still undermine this genuine and difficult effort, and

there are those who certainly may wish that our efforts

will fail. It is our historical duty to overcome these

35

difficulties and maintain the momentum in response to

our peoples' mandate for peace.

I would like to thank the Secretary-General and

all those who labour with him towards a just solution in

Cyprus: a solution based on United Nations resolutions

for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in one

international personality, one citizenship and one

sovereignty.

At this time, I would appeal to him to move

forward with the peace talks on this basis. The

implementation of United Nations resolutions is not

only important for Cyprus. It is important for the moral

standing of this all-important Organization. Double

standards and inaction only serve to undermine the

credibility of this Organization in the eyes of so many

countries and peoples.

One cannot accept developments such as those

that recently took place in Strovilia. This responsibility

rests with the United Nations, with the guarantor

powers and all those who have a say in international

developments. It has become obvious that the current

situation in Cyprus and its occupation by foreign forces

challenges the integrity and credibility of this

honourable Organization. I know this term may be

painful, but Cyprus is an occupied island, and this must

end. We need to go beyond the situation and it will take

courage; courage from all involved.

A solution to the Cyprus problem can and should

be seen as a win-win situation. It is vital for peace,

stability and security in our region. I truly believe that

the Greek-Cypriot and the Turkish-Cypriot

communities can find solutions, and we must allow

them to live together peacefully. We can aid them in

this process. Greece and Turkey can aid them. Cyprus

will either unite us or divide us, Greece and Turkey.

We have a responsibility to cooperate on Cyprus and to

facilitate the solution to this process. Greece and

Turkey, through their rapprochement, share a rare

opportunity to help the citizens of Cyprus rebuild their

island, their homes and their dreams. The outcome of

these efforts should be that every Cypriot enjoys safety,

equality under the law, protection of their human

rights, appropriate representation and security under a

European roof.

Cyprus, Turkey and Greece: for anyone willing to

envision the future, our futures are as interwoven as

our histories. A reunified federal Cyprus, member of

the European Union, will not only serve the European

aspiration for stability in the region, but the aspirations

of every citizen in every one of the countries involved.

I extend my appeal to the Turkish Cypriots. We

want them near us, in our wider European family. In

this family we do not only guarantee them the

solidarity of the Greek people, but also the

commitment of the Greek Government. Our citizens

will only master the great possibilities that lie ahead if

this last wall in Cyprus comes tumbling down.

Our experience in our region, our rapprochement

with Turkey and our consistent efforts for a just

solution in Cyprus have given Greece a new voice in

the international community. We treasure our new

capacity and intend to grow it further. During our

Olympiad for Peace we plan to keep a close eye on

developments in the Middle East, always seeking

methods to facilitate the hopeful process. We shall

follow closely developments in the South and

particularly in Africa, a continent for which the Greek

people share a special place in their hearts. Our

emphasis will be on children: their rights, their right to

avoid a violent life.

Our concentration in our Olympiad for Peace will

be on international initiatives in which our country can

play a role. Drawing on our ancient traditions, we are

working to re-establish the practice of Olympic Truce.

We aspire to the day when the tradition of suspending

all hostilities during the Olympic Games becomes the

seed for a more lasting peace. Huge amounts of

resources are wasted on military procurements and war,

and they must be channelled into health, education,

culture and sport. To this end and in close cooperation

with the International Olympic Committee and

President Samaranch, we have established the

International Centre for Olympic Truce in Greece.

In both ancient and modern Greek, the word for

truce is ekecheiria. It has a dual meaning. It means

setting one's weapons aside, but it also means reaching

out one's hand in friendship. We do not simply aspire

to a momentary truce, but to a continuous truce, an

active truce.

The concept of Olympic Truce can complement

the work of national and international organizations

specializing in conflict prevention and resolution and

intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations

sharing similar objectives. The Centre in Olympia will

offer a sanctuary to support peace-building. This year

we hosted children from war-torn areas in the Balkans.

36

Truce in Bosnia in 1992 allowed for children to be

inoculated. Truce in Sidney this year will allow for

North and South Korean teams to march under the

same flags: an historic moment.

I started my address by saying that people coming

together has always been the prerequisite for building a

better world and a more secure future. I conclude by

appeal to members. Take this ancient tradition, which

by now is no longer exclusively Greek. It has become

universal. Use this tool to complement efforts and

inspire the younger generation for peace and

cooperation, going beyond ethnic, racial, religious or

other divisions.

This is the objective of the Olympic Truce. And

this is the foundation upon which Greece shall build its

four-year Olympiad for Peace.