Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-09-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou stresses need for upgrading and strengthening UN's role in

[01] Papandreou stresses need for upgrading and strengthening UN's role in world

NEW YORK (ANA/P. Panagiotou) - Foreign Minister George Papandreou, addressing the UN General Assembly on Friday, stressed the need of upgrading and strengthening the role of the UN, which must have the ''leading role'' in shaping global developments, security and peace issues.

Papandreou referred to the statement by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for the need to create new institutional frameworks for a more effective functioning and mission of the international organisation's bodies.

The foreign minister spoke of the prospect of Iraq's reconstruction and presented the positions of Greece and the European Union regarding the ''responsibility and work'' the UN must have.

He mentioned the efforts of Greece and Turkey to create a ''new era'' in relations between the two neighbouring countries and referred specifically to the latest agreement on the removal of landmines.

On the question of Cyprus, Papandreou reminded that ''the island is divided due to the Turkish invasion and occupation of 1974'' and underlined the fact that Greece supports the secretary general's efforts for a solution ''based on the resolutions of the UN and the principles of the European Union.''

Papandreou said a solution ''is possible'' by May 1, when Cyprus will become a full member of the EU.

During his address, Papandreou also referred to the problems of the Middle East and of terrorism and concluded by focusing on the resolution on the Olympic Truce on the occasion of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

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