Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-02-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek and Russian FMs discuss economic cooperation and Cyprus issue

[01] Greek and Russian FMs discuss economic cooperation and Cyprus issue

The two ministers also discussed the issue of Cyprus, while Lavrov said that a solution must be based on international law and on UN resolutions and it must be given through negotiations and not be imposed from outside. All five permanent members of the Security Council must also participate in relevant initiatives.

Otherwise, Lavrov added, when the members of the Council begin to act independently nothing is achieved.

The Russian minister, who met with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and President Karolos Papoulias, gave a press conference together with Molyviatis.

The Greek foreign minister said that "bilateral relations are at an excellent level and are based on the strong foundations of sincere friendship and historic ties which are very old."

He stressed the possibility and need for strengthening bilateral economic relations, particularly in the sectors of commerce, tourism and energy, a sector on which he placed great importance.

Lavrov said that "we examined relations between Greece and Russia on the issue of providing gas, the transportation of gas through Greece and participation in regional energy networks."

The Russian minister underlined Greece's special role in security and the "optional policies" in Europe's energy supply.

The Greek foreign minister thanked his Russian counterpart for Russia's consistent support for a just and viable solution to the issue of Cyprus, based on Security Council decisions and resolutions.

Lavrov ascertained a coincidence of views, or at least a great proximity in views between Greece and Russia, on such issues as Cyprus and the Middle East, including the nuclear programme of Iran and Kosovo.

Referring to the problems of Kosovo and Cyprus, he stressed that an arrangement must be reached on the basis of international law and UN resolutions and must result from negotiations and not imposition from outside, terming the violation of these principles a very dangerous precedent.

Lavrov also underlined his country's interest in participation in the Greek energy market that will be "deregulated."

Commenting on the issue of Kosovo, the Greek minister said that the region's final status quo must be the result of negotiations and dialogue and not imposition and coercion and it must respect the values of the international community and strengthen the stability of the wider region.

Lavrov further noted the deep historic roots and the spiritual ties between Greece and Russia, while referring to the spectacular development of Russian tourism to Greece and thanked Greece for facilitating the issue of entry visas.

Replying to questions on Black Sea cooperation and cooperation between Russia and Turkey on security and terrorism issues, Lavrov said that the Montreux Treaty is valid in all directions.

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