Anna Karamanou: Accession of Cyprus to the EU will lead to further social and economic prosperity	Newspaper ANTILOGOS KYPROU
By Fofi Koridi, Athens correspondent for ANTILOGOS	June 21 – July 4 2003

 

 

Anna Karamanou is one of the most well-known women politicians in Greece, but also in Europe. Active, energetic, daily fighting her battles for her vision of Europe, a Europe of equal opportunities, democracy, values… A PASOK MP in the European Parliament, she was elected chairwoman of the Committee for Women and Equal Opportunities of the European Parliament, the first time a Greek woman had occupied that position. She has received widespread acclaim for her methodical work, professionalism, and advancement of her country in the context of Unified Europe.

We had met before, and this time concentrated on Cyprus. What do the new developments mean, what benefits can be gained, how is that elusive solution to be found…

So, Anna Karamanou talked to ANTILOGOS about Cyprus, but also about Turkey, the USA, the UN, Mr. Simitis, women…

 

- Many think that Cyprus is experiencing a landmark process, with the exchange visits to and from the Occupied Zone. When this excitement settles down, how do you think the situation will develop?

- I believe that it will be much easier than in the past to find solutions. Already, the people themselves are indicating the right way to go. Free movement from one part of the island to the other indicates that the inhibitions of the past, the passions, the hatred, have to a large degree been overcome. Politicians must also realise that we are no longer living in the 60s. The world has changed, social and economic conditions have changed, ideas and mentalities have changed. The European spirit seems to have permeated both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, since the current ease in tensions came in the wake of the new developments and the accession of Cyprus to the EU. I feel certain that on May 1, 2004 Cyprus shall become a full member of the European Union as a united country, with no dividing lines.

- There are however considerable procedural issues to resolve before this can occur…

- Certainly. Issues concerning the future government of the Island. However, there exist international standards, and the community acquis. Cyprus will proceed on the basis of European practice. We have the example of former East Germany: upon unification with West Germany it acceded to the Union without any additional procedures being required, and the entire country was considered a single entity. We must not forget that any solutions to the problem of Cyprus must satisfy both sides and obtain their consent. Therefore, it will have to be a compromise solution. No solution can be found when each side holds fast to its position and demands that it be accepted 100%. 

- Throughout this long course culminating in the accession, was there ever a moment when you worried that it might be suspended or cancelled?

- I never harboured any doubts or misgivings. I know that the EU keeps its promises. There was also however strong scepticism, expressed by certain governments, MPs and individuals. They questioned whether it was right to proceed with the accession before a solution to the problem had been reached. In the end there prevailed the opposite view, i.e. that accession would accelerate the process of unification. It now seems that this view, which we also supported, was correct. The solution to the problem of Cyprus is being given by the people of the Island themselves. 

- I know that you have visited Cyprus many times. What were your feelings when you saw the green line?  

- I remember my first visit well. I was 18 years old, a trade unionist, and had been invited to speak at a conference. I broke out in tears as I was speaking… I have many friends in Cyprus, and have addressed many conferences and seminars, mainly on issues concerning women and the environment. I also had strong Party links, via EDEK. On the other hand, I must say that in recent years I had also discerned a "nationalist", egoistic tendency on the part of the Greek Cypriots that worried me. They believed that they were 100% right. Of course, this does not mean that we should forget the invasion. We must also remember however, that we had created the conditions that enabled the invasion ourselves. We must also admit to our errors. Currently, I am very glad to see that the tensions of the past appear to be receding, and I am certain that the two sides can co-exist peacefully and creatively, leaving behind them for ever the mentality of the 50s and the 60s, when mutual extinction seemed to be at the top of each side's agenda.

- Some say that the main benefit from the accession of Cyprus to the EU is the guarantee to its territorial integrity. Will Cyprus also reap economic benefits? 

- I think that the Island's unification will produce both political and economic gains. Exchanges and communication between the two sides will create a new dynamic, project an image of stability and security. United Cyprus will develop new international relations. Accession to the EU and political stability will lead to further social and economic prosperity. Greece is a good example. It lagged behind the other countries of Western Europe, but did not compromise the EU ideals. Now too, I do not think that the EU's expansion to include countries lagging behind in GDP and economic development will create any problems. On the contrary, it will instil a new dynamism in the Union, with a positive social and economic impact. Cyprus is part of this process. 

- Will the expansion compromise the objectives formulated in Lisbon? 

- I believe that now more than ever we must persevere with the Lisbon objectives, which have acquired even greater significance. There are difficulties. We are in the midst of a global recession, but also of changes on the political level, with the new military dogma applied by the USA creating a new situation in the region. For example, we have seen how the crisis in Iraq created a domino effect, leading to further economic problems in the USA and Europe. There are some signs of recovery, but it is not yet clear whether the recovery is real or only temporary. 

- In issues of so-called "national rights", Greek Euro-MPs usually rally together, irrespective of their party background. You think that the presence of Greek Cypriot MPs will bring about a coalition of forces? 

It is natural that common origins, language and culture bring people together. This is not a Greek characteristic – all European peoples have their share of national chauvinism and pride. But I believe that in the context of the EU we can defend our culture and safeguard our special attributes, while also fighting for the European ideals, European unification, and –especially- the dissemination European humanist values beyond the borders of our Union. 

- You support the prospect of Turkey's accession to the EU. Do you really think this is possible? Can Turkey become democratic overnight? Aren't the accession criteria beyond its capabilities? 

- Your question raises two separate issues. Yes, I do support the accession of Turkey to the EU. Turkey is our neighbour, and we have to maintain a good relationship. I have held this position for many years – even at a time when people thought you must be a foreign agent if you talked about Greek-Turkish friendship, or said that the two countries must come closer, since it is impossible to live forever in a state of tension and neither us nor they are about to emigrate to the North Pole! I am very glad to see that now we have at last found real channels of communication and co-operation. Only a handful of countries possess Turkey's geopolitical significance. In "The Grand Chessboard", Zbigniew Brzezinski writes that Turkey is one of four such countries, its position bridging Europe and Asia and forming a junction-point that controls all trade routes in the region. Its military value is indisputable. Psychologically, we are closer to the Turks than to any other people. We have the same mentality, not to mention the same music and the same food. When I am around Turks I often feel that we are the same people, and that only language and religion divide us. Our mentality is very similar, a factor favouring effective co-operation in the economic and business field. Already, several joint ventures have been pursued by the Greek and Turkish business communities, and naturally our islands are very happy not to be living under the threat of a possible conflict.

 

As regards the European prospects of Turkey, prospects that Greece has formally supported –the Simitis government lifted the veto on Turkey's accession-, I believe that they will do much to improve democratic institutions. We know that there are serious problems with human rights, conditions in prisons, police brutality… I have been engaged for years with issues concerning women, and I know well that in jails and police stations women are treated in a terrible way, often raped… There is no culture of respect for human rights. A great benefit of the accession prospect is that Turkey will have to comply with international standards and human rights treaties, which it has signed but does not apply. It is also probable that its economy and political system will be modernised under the guidance of European institutions. Turkey cannot accede to the EU as long as the military continues to dominate the country. The military can not make political decisions. Turkey has understood this, and is trying to reform its system. We must recognise that in recent months many changes have been made, at least on the legislative level. That is why I support the accession of Turkey, as I do the accession of all Balkan countries. This is our national policy – and one that finds me in full agreement. Let me also venture an even more daring idea: An alliance with Turkey and closer co-operation would strengthen Greece and the entire region of Southeast Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus. In future Cyprus, Turkey, the Balkans and Greece will form a very powerful block, not in the military, but in the economic and cultural sense. 

- Realistically, in how many years do you think Turkey will be able to accede to the EU? 

- The events that followed the lifting of the Greek veto proved how astute that move had been. The real intentions of the other countries, particularly Germany, were fully revealed. They are worried that the accession of a country in dire financial condition with a population of almost 70 million would be a considerable burden for the EU economy. Personally, I still believe that despite the extra burden on the community budget it is worth advancing Turkey's accession. I see the EU not as a geographical entity, but as a community of values. I would even consider possible the accession of North African countries. Morocco for example, is very close to Europe. 

- Then Israel too could accede? 

- Of course. Many Euro-MPs have proposed this. And why not? Imagine an EU that would comprise Europe and the entire Mediterranean basin, including Turkey. As long as all accept the conditions of EU membership and its institutions. We have already concluded agreements of co-operation in the fields of commerce, the environment, protection of women's rights, etc. with many such countries. In less than 100 years from now we shall have attained global governance; therefore we need global institutions. We cannot have globalisation of the economy, development of new technologies, and at the same time lack the corresponding institutions. Unfortunately however, even existing global institutions, such as the UN, are currently being undermined. We have recently experienced a double war, against Iraq and against the UN. Europe must therefore assume immediately a more active role in forming the institutions of global governance, by disseminating its humanist ideals of freedom and equality, justice, respect for human rights, of eliminating distinctions based on gender, religion, race… In our day, globalisation has led to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, and has widened the gap between rich and poor. We must see how the benefits of science, technology and a globalised economy can be allocated in a fairer way, and how we can finally learn to resolve disputes peacefully rather than by armed conflict. In other words: Yes to an EU that is a community of values - not a community of territories and geographical boundaries. 

- How will the European Constitution, currently being drafted, fulfil these requirements? 

- That is exactly its objective. A constitution that will unite rather than divide the peoples of Europe. A constitution that will retain the special characteristics of each people and the continent's multi-cultural and multi-national ethos, while also providing the legislative tools that will enable Europe to develop further its economy and finances, reinforce its global role, forge a common foreign security and defence policy, and obtain more effective governance, by reducing bureaucracy and ensuring that people feel they are citizens both of Europe and of their countries. 

- Are we then moving in the direction of a federal Europe?

- Personally I would prefer a federal Europe with a single government. We'll have to wait and see… Certainly, the most difficult aspect is to formulate a common foreign policy, since there are many differing interests and approaches. Foreign policy is the last function that member-states will agree to assign to a supra-national body. I have personal experience of the difficulties that can arise in this field. 

- In Greece there have been many rumours that Mr. Simitis will assume an office of considerable importance in the EU (e.g. President of the Commission) after the end of his premiership. I wonder if similar rumours also arise in other countries… 

- It is the same everywhere. The same has been said about Aznar, Blair, Fischer… But why not? I think Greece has reached a level of development that allows its representatives to seek and obtain positions of high office in international institutions. I would mention the recent election of Mr. Diamandouros to the office of Euro-Ombudsman, and the appointment of Mr. Papadimos as vice-chairman of the European Central Bank. We are a small country, but as long as we turn to account our ablest people and pursue important positions, we can exercise the policy of a larger power. I consider Mr. Simitis a political leader with a strong European agenda, and the office of President of the Commission would suit him admirably. He is also very well liked on the personal level, internationally. I don't mean to sound partisan here, but I do feel pride for my country and the policy it has applied in recent years under Mr. Simitis and Mr. Papandreou. Our prestige in the international arena has been greatly enhanced. Many of my colleagues are saying that the Greek Presidency was the best on record. We should note that despite the difficulties in this period, Greece handled developments in a very astute way, trying to maintain the unity and cohesion of the EU. And it succeeded. In addition, everyone admitted that the organisation aspect was excellent, even though organisation is not generally regarded as our strong point. Note too, that these favourable comments were made by European MPs, who are not at all generous with praise. Greece is not seen as a small country, but as a power than can assume an active role in the European and global arena. 

- I would like to close this interview by asking you how easy it is for a woman to pursue a successful career and raise a family at the same time. You are quite young, an active politician, and yet you have grandchildren! 

- It is not easy. And I think that my generation perhaps had the hardest time. I was married at 20 because my mother thought that marriage is career enough – maybe with a small job on the side. I must say that I did what I did alone, with much difficulty, with no support. I sat for the university exams on my own, left the school when I was married, and only returned to my Philosophy course in 1974, when I completed it. I had no one to encourage me. This is why I believe that if I had grown up in an environment that would have appreciated my abilities early on (I was top student) I might have achieved more. Nevertheless, I am content. I was part of the rise of the trade union and women's movements, I worked very hard, I was one of the first members of PASOK (1974), and then a member of the Central Committee (1977) when only 4 out of 60 members were women!

 

Currently, I am very happy with my post in the European Parliament - a multi-national, multi-cultural environment that gives me the opportunity to work side by side with people from so many countries. 

- Hypothetically speaking, if PASOK asked you to stand as a candidate in the forthcoming national elections, what would you do? 

- I am too old for the national elections now. I should have tried that in, say, 1981, when I was full of energy. On the other hand, I am too young to leave the European Parliament. It is a forum I feel as my natural element. In addition, I disagree entirely with the electoral system, which must change. We women should lead this effort. The legal framework indirectly prevents us from being elected, by requiring considerable financial means and competition within the parties and the voting lists. I have considered this electoral system immoral ever since 1981.