Messages to Turkey to help in the progress of talks on the Cyprus issue but also to neighbouring Albania to protect the rights of its Greek minority were sent by Prime Minister George Papandreou on Sunday in his replies to questions during a press conference at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).
"The Cyprus issue is, I repeat, an issue of occupation. Invasion and occupation. And this is the basic issue that must be resolved," Papandreou stressed.
He called on Turkey to contribute to a constructive dialogue and negotiations process that would lead to a
successful result "within the known parameters, which are the decisions of the United Nations and, of course, European rules".
Referring to the initiatives taken by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, Papandreou noted that he had supported these in order to break through the deadlock and boost mobility around the Cyprus issue. He stressed that these initiatives were important and that they "could be supported by Europe and the international community in order that we might have clear progress on the Cyprus issue."
Concerning the recent murder of a member of the Greek minority in Himare, southern Albania, Papandreou said that the incident was not "merely coincidence".
"Unfortunately, we are seeing similar phenomena of a rise in nationalism by extremist groups that, sadly, seem to have political ramifications. These have targeted the Greek minority in Albania with, of course, the tragic incident of the murder of Aristotelis Goumas and other actions that show a hostile stance," he said.
Papandreou stressed that Greece was treating this as a very serious issue that also affected bilateral relations, which Athens wanted to support positively, and one that would have an impact on Albania's European course.
"Nationalism does not help the Balkans, it does not help neighbouring countries. And I would like to send a message to the Albanian side that nationalisms have always created huge problems, not just between countries but also between citizens," he added.
Noting that the Greek government had made serious efforts to integrate many Albanians in Greek society, Papandreou underlined that the rights of the Greek minority in Albania had to be protected by the Albanian government.
Concerning Greece's stance on Kosovo following the latest UN resolution on the issue, Papandreou said that Athens' position remained unchanged for the time being but noted that "our effort is to promote a solution in our region that will create a framework of calm, stability and the avoidance of conflicts and nationalism. Consequently, to ensure a European course."
"The Cyprus issue is, I repeat, an issue of occupation. Invasion and occupation. And this is the basic issue that must be resolved," Papandreou stressed.
He called on Turkey to contribute to a constructive dialogue and negotiations process that would lead to a
successful result "within the known parameters, which are the decisions of the United Nations and, of course, European rules".
Referring to the initiatives taken by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, Papandreou noted that he had supported these in order to break through the deadlock and boost mobility around the Cyprus issue. He stressed that these initiatives were important and that they "could be supported by Europe and the international community in order that we might have clear progress on the Cyprus issue."
Concerning the recent murder of a member of the Greek minority in Himare, southern Albania, Papandreou said that the incident was not "merely coincidence".
"Unfortunately, we are seeing similar phenomena of a rise in nationalism by extremist groups that, sadly, seem to have political ramifications. These have targeted the Greek minority in Albania with, of course, the tragic incident of the murder of Aristotelis Goumas and other actions that show a hostile stance," he said.
Papandreou stressed that Greece was treating this as a very serious issue that also affected bilateral relations, which Athens wanted to support positively, and one that would have an impact on Albania's European course.
"Nationalism does not help the Balkans, it does not help neighbouring countries. And I would like to send a message to the Albanian side that nationalisms have always created huge problems, not just between countries but also between citizens," he added.
Noting that the Greek government had made serious efforts to integrate many Albanians in Greek society, Papandreou underlined that the rights of the Greek minority in Albania had to be protected by the Albanian government.
Concerning Greece's stance on Kosovo following the latest UN resolution on the issue, Papandreou said that Athens' position remained unchanged for the time being but noted that "our effort is to promote a solution in our region that will create a framework of calm, stability and the avoidance of conflicts and nationalism. Consequently, to ensure a European course."
Source:http://www.ana-mpa.gr
