Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-06-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, Serbian FMs on Kosovo, bilateral ties

[01] Greek, Serbian FMs on Kosovo, bilateral ties

Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis on Tuesday made the statement during a meeting with her Serbian counterpart Vuk Jeremic, who is on an official visit to Athens.

She stressed that, at this stage, it was absolutely necessary that prudence and responsibility be shown by everyone, and that unilateral actions that could threaten and prejudice the outcome of the political procedure and destabilise the region be avoided.

Greece, she continued, remained devoted "to the idea of a multi-cultural Kosovo, without entrenchments and divisions, in which human and minority rights will be effectively protected". She also expressed hope that "we will see this idea being realised in the framework of the regon's European prospect".

Regarding the development of the negotiations on determining Kosovo's future status, Bakoyannis noted that "if the two sides wish to discuss, they should be given that opportunity".

Bakoyannis noted the "high level" in Greek-Serbian bilateral relations, and stressed Athens' support for Serbia's course to the European Union and NATO, while she also expressed satisfaction at the reopening of EU talks with Serbia last week on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, adding a hope that Serbia will soon be designated as a candidate country for EU accession.

Jeremic, who recently assumed the post of foreign minister, expressed his country's appreciation for Greece's backing of Serbia's Euro-Atlantic prospects, calling Greece a "key" country in the Balkans, while adding that Athens' voice shoud be the strongest when Balkan issues are being discussed.

Regarding Kosovo, Jeremic reiterated Belgreade's position that "independence cannot be accepted", and stressed that the Serbian side was willing to continue dialgoue and to compromise, given that "only through dialogue can a compromise be achieved, and only through compromise can stability be achieved in the region".

Jeremic warned that any unilateral solution would have destabilising effects, stressing that "any compromise is preferable to an imposed solution".

He clarified again, however, that Serbia is determined not to make concessions on issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Jeremic was later received by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, and also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis.

Caption: Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyianni (R) talks with her Serbian counterpart Vuk Jeremic (L) prior a meeting in Athens on 19 June 2007. Jeremic is in Athens on a four-day official visit. ANA-MPA /O. PANAGIOTOU

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