By George A. Papandreou
Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hellenic Republic

There is no doubt that mankind will face unprecedented challenges in the coming century. The globalisation of the economy, the increasing power of the media, rapid developments in information technology, communications and biotechnology, are just some of the challenges we will face.

New challenges bring new ethical, cultural and social dilemmas. They also raise a fundamental question: how can we guarantee the democratic nature of global phenomena, when, by their very nature, they go beyond the control of the nation-state as we know it?

How can we ensure that the global economy responds to emerging social needs, is sensitive to the demand for social justice, and helps reduce inequalities between rich and poor? While technological advances steadily increase the overall prosperity of humankind, they do not guarantee the equal distribution of this wealth.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I feel a serious responsibility, not just to my country, but also to the wider region in which I live. I feel a responsibility to ensure that not only Greece and Hellenism worldwide, but also the entire region – the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and all of Europe – together create common strategies to meet these challenges.

Our policies cannot be limited to an heroic apathy. Nor can we afford to just passively or spasmodically react to whatever circumstances happen to befall us.  Greece’s foreign policy objective is clear: to carry forward fundamental, dynamic initiatives in order to establish a framework of principles and rules, of justice and democracy, which will take effect throughout our region.

Greece is, and will continue to be, a model of democracy, stability and cooperation for the region.  Greece’s regional policy is, in a sense, our answer to the new challenges of globalisation.

The Greek government has chosen to seize these challenges as a unique opportunity.  An opportunity to take bold initiatives, an opportunity for Hellenism to engage fully with the international community, and an opportunity to shape the political, social, and economic reality of the entire region.

In recent years, Greece has undergone a continual process of development. Extensive modernization programmes and intensive institutional reforms have generated a new self-confidence among the Greek people, and helped Greece to gain a new credibility on the world stage.  Greece has proven to be a force of democracy and stability, an independent advocate of justice, and a voice of reason, both in the European Union and in the world at large.

Greece’s vibrant economy is steadily bringing us closer to convergence with European Monetary Union.  Greek investments in South East Europe help to boost regional development. Contemporary Greek culture is thriving in a new, multi-cultural context.  While we do not underestimate the importance of maintaining a strong defence, we actively promote a principled policy that supports Greece’s long tradition of preserving peace.

In order to meet these new responsibilities, we have learnt to apply new political practices.  Perhaps most importantly, we have introduced the concept of citizen’s diplomacy, which is entirely new for Greece.  In keeping with global trends, we no longer rely solely on traditional diplomacy. We are democratizing our foreign policy. Citizen’s diplomacy effectively means that our citizens themselves are actively involved in shaping foreign policy.

Greek citizens have discovered that they have an important role to play in relation to the citizens of other Balkan nations, the people of Turkey, and of Europe as a whole. The power of the people was confirmed by recent events in our region. During the crisis in Kosovo, the Greek government actively supported the courageous efforts of Greek humanitarian non-governmental organizations. In fact, the government recently introduced a new law to formalize the role of NGOs.

After the recent earthquakes that struck both Turkey and Greece, through their independent initiatives our citizens effectively coined a new political term: ‘seismic diplomacy’. Through their expression of solidarity, the people of Greece and Turkey sent a powerful message to their political leaders - a democratic demand for peaceful cooperation and reconciliation among neighbours. This was not only a historic breakthrough in Greek-Turkish relations. It also heralded a great victory for citizen’s diplomacy.

Greece’s inclusive foreign policy has economic, environmental, educational, and cultural dimensions, too.  We are working to strengthen all kinds of civil diplomacy, by building a network of democratic institutions, both within Greece and throughout the region. Supporting such institutions and principles does not only protect our national interests, it also answers to deeper international needs. I strongly believe that the foremost political priority in the ever changing world of the 21st century should be the consolidation of cultural and educational diplomacy.

Development diplomacy is equally important to Greece. Bilateral cooperation to further development, humanitarian aid, and the protection of human rights are key principles that guide our foreign policy.

Whether building refugee camps in Albania and FYROM, or through the continuing relief work carried out by Greek humanitarian NGOs, Greece has played a pivotal role in development politics, both in Kosovo and in the former Yugoslavia. Our achievements in this field are further proof of the importance of exploring new methods to achieve our foreign policy objectives.

What South East Europe needs most is to achieve a climate of security, democracy, and peace. The EU’s acceptance of Turkey’s candidate status at Helsinki will no doubt move us closer to these goals. Bringing Turkey closer to Europe will bring greater security to the region. Helsinki opened up an historic opportunity for Turkey. This does not mean that Turkey’s problems have miraculously been solved. The gates to heaven have not opened – but a new path, leading to new prospects, surely has.

If we want to make the most of this opportunity, we must all be prepared to undertake difficult and consistent efforts. The role of the Greek government will be decisive, but so too will the involvement of Greek NGOs, the private sector, local government authorities, and individual citizens. This great opportunity allows Greece to play a constructive role in the European prospects of Turkey. Of course, it also provides an opportunity for the resolution of critical bilateral issues, such as Cyprus and the continental shelf.

Helsinki does not signal the end of Greece’s efforts: on the contrary, it represents the starting point for new, and equally courageous, Greek initiatives. Helsinki marked a significant shift in bilateral relations with our neighbour. But the current positive climate is the result of persistent and often painful efforts, despite a number of both domestic and international obstacles and issues, which must be overcome.

The Helsinki summit in December 1999 was also a milestone for Cyprus, which is now firmly on the way to EU membership. Integration with European standards and principles is the surest way to bring about the unification and demilitarization of Cyprus. Likewise, Bulgaria and Romania have moved forward on the road to integration, as have Albania and FYROM.

Greece is playing a key role in bringing our neighbours closer to Europe. In the framework of the Balkan Stability Pact, Greece is taking important initiatives to promote regional stability, by creating networks of cooperation, and by taking steps to actualize regional reconstruction.

Greece was the first country to draw up a comprehensive Balkan Reconstruction Plan. Over the next five years (2000 – 2005), Greece has pledged a total of GDR 100 billion for the reconstruction and development of Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and FYROM.

In a gesture towards our cultural and democratic heritage, we have also revived an ancient ideal that we hope will be powerful in promoting global peace in the future.  In preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympics, Greece has revived the tradition of the Olympic Truce. Our dream? To bring about a global ceasefire, to coincide with the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Three weeks ago, the International Foundation for the Olympic Truce was officially established, in the presence of the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Juan Samaranch.  The International Foundation for the Olympic Truce will operate from three centers – a historic center in ancient Olympia, its headquarters in Athens, and from premises affiliated to the International Organisation for the Olympic Games in Lausanne. The institution of the Olympic Truce represents one more contribution of Hellenism to promoting world peace in the twenty first century.