Report Outlining the Suggested Confidence Building Measures and
Crisis Avoidance Measures Proposed by the CBMs Working Group
Introductory
Remarks
This report is presented to
the Plenary of the Greek-Turkish forum with a recommendation by the CBMs working group for
its final endorsement. It consists of an outline of measures which aim at the improvement
of confidence between Greece and Turkey, (Confidence Building Measures proper), as well as
measures aiming at preventing the development of crises (Crisis Avoidance Measures, CAMs)
In drafting this report, the
members of the CBMs group were guided by the objectives the Greek-Turkish Forum has set to
itself and its dedication to the proposition that problems dividing Greece and Turkey must
be resolved peacefully. Suggestions contained herein reflect a commonly shared view that
notwithstanding differences on certain major issues, there is enough room for initiatives
capable of dislodging erroneous perceptions of either side on the other, in establishing a
common basis of mutual understanding and in seeking to improve the political climate
between the two countries. Further, it should be stated that the value of genuine feelings
and acts of solidarity and their acknowledgement, as manifested reciprocally in the two
countries in times of distress, cannot be sufficiently underlined.
Efforts mounted by all the
participants to the Forum can be classified as ‘Track II diplomacy’. In this respect
it is stated that all the participants to this effort participate in a private capacity,
as they do not represent governments or any other authority of their respective countries.
All participants of the Forum
welcomed the recently initiated and on going talks between Turkey and Greece at high
officials’ level on a list of specific topics. These talks are considered as a most
positive development and a CBM in itself. It is thought that while they cannot be immune
from the effects of a serious deterioration which might occur in the relations between the
two countries, their continuation can have a moderating effect on potential sources of
crisis.
The lead taken by the
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Turkey to resume a dialogue on subjects such as
culture, tourism, environment, economic cooperation, the fight against crime, drug
trafficking and terrorism - on some of which members of the group have devoted much of
their efforts in the past - gives to the Forum new opportunities to contribute to this
last initiative. Consequently, ten proposals for measures reflecting the spirit of
dialogue and aiming at building mutual confidence were addressed to the two Foreign
Ministers on behalf of the participants of the Forum by the Directors of RUSI and PRIO.
They formed a list of practical actions to be taken as early as possible, and a summary of
measures which are now contained in Parts I, II and III of the present report.
PART I
Background
The proposals
here listed are designed to foster better relations by engaging the people and
non-governmental organisations of the two countries. They do not necessarily require
governmental involvement, although government support can be beneficial to their success.
Confidence Building Measures
It is recommended that a
detailed inventory be made available of all groups and non-governmental organisations
working on improving Greek-Turkish relations and that the resulting list and their
activities be made generally known to the public of the two countries.
It is proposed that a working
group be established to examine ways and to generate proposals by which extensive
educational exchanges between Greek and Turkish students can be created – or where they
already exist to be better co-ordinated and further strengthened – at both the secondary
and tertiary level.
Judging from recent positive
experience, to encourage and promote publication of articles, commentaries, etc. in the
press of either country, or stage joint television interviews and debates of well informed
personalities, journalists, businessmen, specialists on a given topic etc. from the two
countries.
It is suggested that
statesmen, members of government or of parliament from Greece and Turkey be invited by
universities or other appropriate institutions, on a frequent basis, to participate at
conferences or lectures on subjects not necessarily on bilateral relations.
It is proposed that Greek and
Turkish sporting authorities co-ordinate their efforts to host, when suitable, major
sporting events. It is also suggested that once a bid has been made by Greece or Turkey to
host a major sporting event, the relevant sporting authorities of either country should
support the other country’s bid. With this in mind it is also suggested that the Greek
IOC should support Turkey in a future bid to host the Olympic Games.
Drawing from past experience
and positive results on the implementation of projects of restoration of religious and
cultural monuments, to promote and encourage relevant activities, on the basis of
reciprocity.
To reactivate business
contacts and economic and trade co-operation.
Non-governmental
organisations working in the field of humanitarian and/or disaster relief to be assisted
in their tasks and encouraged in developing close contacts with partners in the other
country.
Regarding prevention of
pollution in the Aegean coastal areas, it is suggested that bodies involved in
environmental protection and relief be assisted in their tasks and encouraged in
developing close contacts with partners in the other country.
PART II
(Proposals requiring Government action)
Background
Lack of
exchange of information, neglect of maintaining contact and inefficient channels of
communication between government officials at all levels can cause or aggravate crises,
which otherwise could have been avoided.
Confidence
Building & Crisis Avoidance Measures
It is suggested that direct
channels of communication be established between the Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey,
while those already existing between Foreign Ministers and Ministers of Defence of the two
countries be maintained and further improved. It is hoped that such channels of
communication shall be established between other ministers and high officials, serving the
promotion of co-operation in commonly agreed areas.
Greek-Turkish relations are
often adversely affected when the media seek comments from government officials on
statements actually or allegedly made in the other country, before there was a chance of
previous sufficient clarification. It is recommended therefore that appropriate government
authorities in Greece and Turkey provide to each other and as soon as possible full copies
of official documents and statements or speeches made, and that a verification process
(‘cooling off period’) is set before final statements are made to the media.
Opportunities for
co-operation in the frame of regional organisations:
The South East European Cooperation (SEEC) and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC),
have given proof of the existence of still unexplored fields of cooperation between Greece
and Turkey, which need to attract their immediate attention. Also, the newly agreed
‘Stability Pact’ offers a number of opportunities in co-ordinating and developing
joint efforts. Adequate publicity should be given to these new possibilities.
PART III
(Peacekeeping related proposals)
Background
Peacekeeping
has come to the fore as a major task of modern armed forces. The use of military personnel
in peacekeeping operations presents a number of confidence building opportunities. Given
that both Greece and Turkey have contributed and have taken part in peacekeeping
operations, measures such as those listed below could be considered.
Confidence
Building Measures
It is suggested that liaison
and cooperation between Greek and Turkish contingents in KFOR (or elsewhere) be arranged.
Also that a conference be convened for Greek and Turkish officers on ‘lessons learned’
from the experience of Operation ALBA.
It is suggested that Greece
and Turkey at an appropriate time consider introducing a bilateral military exchange
programme (already existing with other NATO member-states) for students in the armed
forces colleges of the two countries
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