Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-02-08

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] German minister for Europe in Athens

[01] German minister for Europe in Athens

Other issues discussed were Turkey's European prospects, Kosovo and the FYROM "name issue".

The Greek deputy FM noted that Athens supports Berlin's efforts to promote the draft constitution, so that a "road map" will be ready by June 2007.

"Greece believes in a better Europe and not in less of Europe. The EU must proceed ahead, and the benefits we have secured will be augmented not reduced," Valinakis added.

O his part, Gloser said it was clear that the current text could not remain the same if a European constitution was to be passed, while he added that it would be more prudent to keep the substantive parts of the draft constitution and proceed with another revision.

Asked about Turkey, Gloser said:

"Turkey is on the agenda of the German presidency. It is clear that accession cannot take place tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. There are a series of conditions that must be fulfilled, and when the time comes for Turkey's admission, the EU will have to have changed with the adoption of a constitution," the German minister of state for Europe said.

Finally, both sides discussed the "name issue" involving the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Gloser was also received by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

Caption: Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis, right, receives German Minister of State for Europe Gunter Gloser in Athens on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007. ANA-MPA / K. Mavrona.

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