The promotion and strengthening of Greek-Russian relations, which was the goal of Mr. Tsipras’ visit to Moscow, is a perfectly legitimate – and consistent – goal of Greek governments. Under the condition, of course, it does not become an obsession and fits within the overall framework of our country’s partnerships. The real effect of the visit will be determined over time, if and when the conditions for a partnership are met, particularly in energy matters, which both leaders proclaimed.
However, it was become to clear to at least part of the government which cultivates disproportionate expectations regarding our relationship with Moscow, that there will be no meaningful help to tackle the financing problems that we face. After all, this was made perfectly clear in the case of Cyprus. Greece’s geopolitical position, upon which the government insists, is not enough to change Mr. Putin’s strategy towards us. What value our country may have in Russia’s policy planning, is dependant on our stable relationship with the Eurozone.
It should be more than obvious that the problems which Greece is currently facing cannot be dealt with anywhere other than within the European framework. The contacts with Russia, China and other countries in the East are useful, but they cannot change the country’s path. So everyone in the government nurturing such delusions and obsessive thoughts should quickly forget about them, for everyone’s sake. The country’s path and future are tied with Europe and the negotiations in progress.
TO VIMA
