Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-01-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis, Serb President Tadic discuss regional developments, Kosovo, Serbia-Montenegro relations, EU prospects

[01] PM Karamanlis, Serb President Tadic discuss regional developments, Kosovo, Serbia-Montenegro relations, EU prospects

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Karamanlis said that Serbia today was democratic and modernising, noting that "we are advancing a new vision of Europe and the Balkans", and reiterating Greece's support for Serbia on its road to European integration, saying "the friendly country can count on the Greek support".

On Kosovo, Karamanlis reiterated Greece's position in favour of a mutually acceptable solution, in the framework of international legality, which would be the result of dialogue and negotiations with the participation of all sides involved, and not an imposed or dictated solution.

He stressed that self-control and moderacy must be displayed in the post-Rugova period, noting that the active materialisation of the criteria that have been set out must be accompanied by negotiations.

"We look forward to a multinational Kosovo in which Serbs and Albanians will live peacefully, and in which the regime will not be at the expense of stability in the Balkans".

On the State Union of Serbia-Montenegro, Karamanlis said that the volition of the people of Montenegro will be respected, adding that the result of the procedures must be free, transparent and democratic.

Tadic, in turn, welcomed the Greek stance as "positions of principle", noting that any solution to the Kosovo issue must be peaceful and arise through dialogue, and should not be the product of imposition. "We are in favour of the soveriegnty and territorial integrity of Kosovo in the framework of our country," he said, adding that the municipalities and communities of the region should participate in the dialogue.

The Serb President further said that there must be a relationship with Belgrade, noting that this was the only path that provided guarantees for the Serbian population and the cultural heritage of the region, while at the same time providing stability in the Balkan region.

On the issue of Montenegro, Tadic said he was prepared to accept the result of the referendum, stressing that the desire of the citizens will be respected.

The Serb president further stressed that bilateral relations with Greece were "exceptional" at both economic and political level, and addressed a new invitation to Greek businessmen to invest in Serbia.

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