In addition to the Cyprus issue and the “FYROM” name dispute, recent regional and international crises dominated discussions between Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York on Sunday, during the Ministerial Week of the 69th UN General Assembly.
After the meeting, Venizelos stated that an array of national issues was discussed, but attentions were particularly focused on the Cyprus problem. Regarding the recent crises in Ukraine and Syria, the Greek Foreign Minister acknowledged that “the secretary general is interested in the Greek and the European stance and places major importance to our contribution to the formation of a clear and active European policy on these issues.”
In reference to the Cyprus issue, Venizelos noted that “with regard to our major, open issues, that are included in the agenda of the UN, our position is very clear. We support President (Nicos) Anastasiades’ initiatives, we consider that the appointment of the new Special Advisor to the Secretary General (Espen Barth) Eide is a very good choice that can work supplementary, but we still want a solution that is in line with the decisions of the Security Council of the United Nations, a solution that is sustainable, fair, a solution that is consistent with the acquis communautaire, and above all, a solution that can be accepted by the Cypriot people, by both communities, through a referendum.”
Referring to the “FYROM” name disputed, Venizelos stated that, “as regards to the name, I had the opportunity, a few weeks ago, to talk at length with Mr. Nimetz in Athens. We are ready to participate in subsequent meetings. We support this process, but we have made big, creative steps. Our position is very clear. The national position is in favour of a compound name with a geographical qualifier, for all internal and international use (erga omnes). So, we expect the other side to take corresponding, productive and in good faith steps.”
Issue of terrorism were also discussed, specifically in response to recent CIA allegations that seven people of Greek origin are connected to the jihadist movement and that jihadists were trained on Greek territory. Venizelos commented, “Greece participates in the international rally against the so-called Islamic State. Greece respects and implements the decisions of the Security Council, the EU, NATO on these issues. We have no jihadists in Greece, but there is a problem in our wider region. So we take part in the international cooperation of exchanging information in order to protect our countries, because this is now a matter of internal security. Greece is not facing a problem right now, but we are rather interested in our neighboring countries and the wider region.”
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