Interview with Former US Ambassador to Greece, Daniel Bennett Smith, in "To Vima," on the occasion of his Participation in the «Nisyros Dialogues 2024».

Daniel Bennett Smith: "Nisyros island depicts the untapped geothermal potential of the area."

In an interview with "To Vima", Daniel Bennett Smith, former US Ambassador to Greece (during Barack Obama's presidency) and Acting US Secretary of State during Joe Biden's presidential transition in 2021, highlighted Greece's very positive role in promoting regional initiatives and collaborations that "are in the interest of everyone in the Eastern Mediterranean." He also emphasized the crucial role the country can play as a potential source of natural gas and as an energy hub, "due to its solar, wind, and geothermal capabilities", setting the context for his speech at the «Nisyros Dialogues – Bridging the Eastern Mediterranean» (July 4-7 at Nisyros island). This is the second time the veteran American diplomat, with a long tenure in the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research, is participating in the ambitious event organized by the Georgios Mihalos Foundation, which is under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. "Similar initiatives help focus attention on the common challenges as well as the enormous potential of the Eastern Mediterranean", he noted during our discussion. "And there is no better place for this than a remote Greek island so close to Turkey, vividly depicting the untapped green geothermal potential of the area".

First of all, Mr. Ambassador, who has benefited geopolitically since the start of the war in Gaza?

"It is relatively easy to start a war, but very difficult to predict its course or outcome. For this reason, it is difficult to answer your question. What we do know is who is suffering. We must never forget that the war began with a violent attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th. This was a calculated attempt to provoke an Israeli military response that Hamas obviously believed would strengthen its position in the region and mobilize public support. Hamas has shown no remorse for its attack, nor for the destruction and humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Gaza. That being said, the United States has been clear from the start that Israel, in conducting military operations against Hamas, must do everything possible to protect innocent civilians and prevent a humanitarian disaster." 

But this was not achieved.

"It was extremely difficult, given the way Hamas operates and the fact that it has embedded itself very closely in areas densely populated by civilians".

How does the war affect regional cooperation in energy and security among Arab states, Greece, and other countries in the region?

"Again, I think it is too early to answer. The hope is that from this tragedy, some positive developments may emerge in the long term, including a renewed commitment to a two-state solution and enhanced cooperation between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Greece, which has excellent ties with both Israel and the Arab states in the region, has played and can continue to play a very positive role in promoting regional initiatives and cooperation that are in everyone's interest in the Eastern Mediterranean".

Can the deepening of trilateral cooperations between Greece-Cyprus-Israel and Greece-Cyprus-Egypt provide a solution to energy shortages following the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Can Greece become a key country in Europe's energy supply?

"Clearly, when it comes to energy and energy security, we must think both short-term and long-term. Russia's invasion of Ukraine highlighted the danger of over-reliance on Russian energy supplies, something the United States had long warned about, along with the need to promote a variety of energy sources. At the same time, in terms of energy security, we cannot overlook the existential threat of climate change and the need to shift to renewable energy sources that do not emit greenhouse gases. Greece can indeed play a crucial role as an energy hub and as a potential source of natural gas itself, but in the long term, I believe the country's contribution as a source and transit point for renewable energy sources will be even more important. The solar, wind, and geothermal potentials in Greece are enormous. Your country can serve as a model for the world on how to make this transition to a greener future".

What is the current priority of the United States?

"Ensuring a lasting ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, while continuing efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading, which could have devastating consequences for the wider region. That is why the Biden administration has called on Hamas to say 'yes' to the ceasefire agreement announced by President Biden, which Israel has accepted. This agreement contains a roadmap that makes a lasting ceasefire possible, the return of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, and ultimately a major reconstruction plan for Gaza. This is the best way forward in the near term. In the long term, we must double down on efforts to secure a two-state solution with Israel and a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security. Many question the viability of this solution, but none of the alternatives are attractive, nor will they ensure long-term peace and stability".