Amidst a rather charged political period, the meeting between Mr. Tsipras with Mr. Venizelos, even if it was exclusively about foreign affairs and Greco-Turkish relations, is a positive development. It is the first time in the life time of this government that there is a top-level contact with the main opposition party. It is a small, but significant and necessary step towards a rudimentary understanding and consensus.
It is also important that despite their differing opinions, both Mr. Tsipras and Mr. Venizelos felt ht eh need to publicly underline that there must be a united front in matters of foreign policy and that such matters cannot be the subject of a political conflict.
In a period where the relationship between Greece and its European partners are not developing in the most beneficial way for the country, where Turkey maintains a provocative stance in the Cypriot EEZ issue, the domestic understanding is not just necessary, but rather imperative; more so when the conflicts and geopolitical instability in our greater region constantly create unforeseen circumstances and risks.
Despite the ongoing polarizing conflict, which is stems from the differing policies in tackling the crisis, it more than necessary for the government and opposition to seek out channels of communication and why not, a bare minimum possible consensus.
The negotiation with the troika and our creditors would most likely be much different and more successful if the political forces had a minimum common front. Since everyone supports staying in the Eurozone and with the Euro as the main strategic choice, then the varying political approaches to managing the crisis should not be an obstacle to a meaningful briefing (which, according to Mr. Tsipras, in the case of sensitive issues cannot be public) or even an essential consensus.
The start with foreign affairs sows that such an approach is not unfeasible. It will be in everyone’s interest, especially the country, if they make the attempt.
TO VIMA
