Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-02-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Molyviatis, Moratinos agree on 'reviving' EU Constitution process

[01] Molyviatis, Moratinos agree on 'reviving' EU Constitution process

During their talks they also discussed bilateral economic relations, the Balkans and developments in Kosovo and the situation in the Middle East following an election victory by Hamas in Palestine.

Moratinos said that the discussion for the future of Europe could now be held on better terms following agreement over the Community's fiscal prospects in 2007-13.

"We must show the citizens of Europe that the European Union is worth the effort," the Spanish foreign minister added.

Molyviatis, while noting that every people had a right to express their opinion on the European Constitution, at the same time stressed the need to overcome the present impasse.

"We cannot remain forever in this interim state, we must revive the discussion, in cooperation with the Austrian and subsequent (EU) presidencies," he said.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Moratinos said that Spain and Greece "were on the same line, since we both respect international law and wish to facilitate in the direction of finding a final solution."

He noted that Spain was very pleased with Cyprus' accession to the European Union and also had very good relations with Turkey.

In a question to Molyviatis concerning a British diplomat's call for Kosovo's independence, the Greek minister pointed to the decisions of the United Nations, the European Union and the Contact Group regarding the procedure, principles and criteria for establishing the final status of Kosovo.

"The process has already begun and I believe that the final decision must respect all the criteria and values that are included in the decisions, especially of the Contact Group".

Moratinos referred to developments in Palestine and said that the Palestinian Authority should open talks with both Hamas and Fatah and called on the international community to wait for the results of these talks.

At the same time, he stressed that any Palestinian government that emerged would have to respect the principles of international law, disavow violence and recognise Israel.

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