Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-02-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis, Merkel meet in Berlin

[01] Karamanlis, Merkel meet in Berlin

Merkel warmly welcomed newly-appointed Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, who arrived at the Chancellery with a slight delay due to her meeting with her German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the German foreign ministry earlier on.

The German chancellor determined European issues mainly as the object of talks, namely preparation for the March summit and the issue of the constitution, while the Greek prime minister said that the turning point at which the European structure has found itself is "crucial", adding that Germany and Greece have proved their active participation in handling problems and promoting a common European future.

Merkel referred to developments in the Middle East and the western Balkans, particularly in Kosovo, as well as to the bird flu issue due to cases recorded both in Greece and Germany.

On his part, Karamanlis focused on the issue of relations between Turkey and the European Union, on the Balkans and the issue of Cyprus.

Asked whether there was the possibility of Greece taking a fresh initiative on the Cyprus issue, Karamanlis said "Greek government policy, and indeed on national issues, does not change."

He further said that "we are always prepared to contribute to the finding of a just, viable and workable solution to the political problem that is continuing to exist in Cyprus", stressing that such a solution "must be in accordance with international law and UN resolutions and must be compatible with the principles and values of the European Union."

Called on to comment on Turkish proposals on the issue of Cyprus, Merkel said that the issue will be discussed at length during the working dinner later on. "What is necessary in our view is a wise solution," she said.

On the question of whether Greece intends to obstruct the European prospects of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), due to the problem concerning the neighbouring country's name, Karamanlis referred to the satisfactory level of economic and political relations between the two countries, adding that Greece is pleased with the fact that FYROM has obtained candidate status.

"Of course, there is the pending issue concerning the name which must be handled with the finding of a mutually acceptable solution," Karamanlis stressed and pointed out that the Greek government has already proved its good intention.

Karamanlis will be leaving for Dublin on Thursday for talks with his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern.

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