Ilia Xypolia: Greece as a 'Timid Observer' in Foreign Policy

Greek foreign policy remains a 'timid observer' and should have denounced the Treaty of Guarantee in 1974, according to Ilia Xypolia, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen.

In an interview with 'Phileleftheros', Ms. Xypolia stressed that an active foreign policy entails 'difficult decisions at a cost', while a passive policy can lead to the loss of allies.

Referring to the Turkish invasion, she stressed that no treaty can override the UN Charter and that Greece was hesitant to take initiatives at the UN.

Ilia Xypolia noted that the Guarantee System should have been denounced in 1974, as all three guarantor powers failed to fulfill their obligations. She also mentioned that the 1960 Agreements are not viable because they were the product of external imposition and blackmail.

She described the Treaty of Guarantee as imperialistic, as it was drafted without the participation of the Cypriots and limits the sovereignty of Cyprus.

Referring to her relationship with Cyprus, Ms. Xypolia stressed that she was influenced by the narratives of her father, Theodoros Xypolias, who fought in 1974 against the Turkish invaders.

Regarding the Cyprus issue in Crans Montana, Ms. Xypolia stated that it was posed as a matter of imperialism and that the withdrawal of Turkish troops and the abolition of guarantees are necessary for a fair solution.