Visit of Prime Minister Alexis Ciprasa the EU sanctions weakened Russia is not likely to dramatically improve the finances of Greece, but may initiate a change in the foreign policy of this country, yet firmly embedded in the EU and NATO.
Cipras is talk on Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on EU sanctions, cooperation in energy, agriculture and investment potential of Russian companies in Greece. Russian media also reported that Moscow is considering granting a loan to Athens, which really could use a Greek bankruptcy risk.
Tanos Dokos of Athens think tank ELIAMEP does not believe that Russia could now afford to borrow significant sums of Greece, but another expert Dimitris Triantafylu Research Center of International and European believes that even a few hundred million, at least temporarily survive would help the government in Athens .
Already on Thursday Greece must repay approx. 450 million debt to the International Monetary Fund, which authorities next week in Athens may run out of money to pay pensions and salaries of public sector workers.
“If Moscow to loan more also reduce the price of gas, some concessions on the issue of Greek imports of fruit (covered at the moment Russian embargo introduced in response to EU sanctions – PAP) and promises of investment, Cipras return to Athens with his head held high” says the expert. “The question we ask in return will want to Moscow, as well as how it will react to other countries of the Union” – pointing to.
According to Anton Szechowcowa the Legatum Institute in London, the answer is one. Russia’s President is now more than ever interested in encouraging the pro-Russian governments in the EU, which przeciwstawiałyby to continue sanctions against Moscow.
“We all know that Russia does not give loans for free, just to buy influence. If Putin actually lend Ciprasowi money in return will expect that Greece will take a critical stance on sanctions,” says Szechowcow. He added that Moscow has similar expectations against several other members of the EU, for example. Hungary, which promised 10 billion for the expansion of nuclear power, or to Cyprus.
Szechowcow claims that leftist SYRIZA Ciprasa group, its coalition partner – right party ANEL (Independent Greeks), and the third in the country in terms of popularity (after Syrizie and conservative New Democracy), a neo-Nazi Golden Dawn, despite the radically different ideologies often use this anti-Western and anti-European same rhetoric, for years maintaining contacts with the same nationalist circles in Russia, in which billionaire Konstantin Małofiejew shines.
Małofiejew, often called a “George Soros Putin,” is accused of funding separatists in eastern Ukraine and is on the list of those targeted by the EU and Canada. “These contacts were initially initiative Małofiejewa circle of people. Now, however, have been taken over by the Kremlin,” explains Szechowcow. He admits that, although everyone is aware of the pro-Russian orientation of the current government of Greece, no one knows whether he is pro-Russian enough to turn against the EU.
Triantafylu believes that all depends on what happens with Greece in the near future. “This government is in big trouble, much bigger than any other study to date, and increased trade with Russia is certainly important – he explains. – But we must also remember that it must be ready for a much worse scenario (Greek exit the euro zone – PAP). Then the search for new allies, not only in Russia, but also in China or Iran, it would be in his best interest. “
Triantafylu believes that the game led by the government Ciprasa is particularly dangerous. “With these ideologies is like the proverbial genie from Aladdin’s lamp. As you release it once, then it is difficult to close,” he said.
Director of ELIAMEP Dokos not expected to visit Moscow Ciprasa brought some big changes. “The Prime Minister wants to show, first, that it is not satisfied with the contacts with partners in the EU, on the other hand, it can be a good point of contact of Russia and the West, and, thirdly, he wants to prove to his followers that keeps its election promises, he actually promised to improve relations (Greece) with Russia and China, “says Dokos. In a few weeks Cipras going to Beijing.
“I do not believe, however, that Greece began a solo block anti-Russian sanctions. It’s too risky. If Russia will respect an agreement with Minsk (on the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine – PAP), their appeal will perform the entire group of countries that the not the most affected, “adds the expert.
Agnieszka Rakoczy (PAP)
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