Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-07-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM 'relatively satisfied' from EU's position on Mideast

[01] FM 'relatively satisfied' from EU's position on Mideast

The Greek foreign minister termed as "positive" that the European Union on Monday called on all the involved parties in the Middle East crisis to show self-restraint so that the necessary prerequisites for the de-escalation of the crisis in the region to be fulfilled.

Bakoyannis noted that Greece would desire "clearer wording." She underlined, nevertheless, the importance which Greek diplomacy attributes to the maintenance of political cohesion of united Europe.

"Greece and many other EU member-states would have wished a more clear European message in the direction of an immediate ceasefire," Bakoyannis said.

Regarding the matter of the withdrawal of European citizens from the Middle East, the foreign minister noted that up to now, no EU member-state has officially recommended to their citizens to leave Lebanon. However, at the same time she said that many member-states, among them Greece, have already undertaken initiatives so as to facilitate all those who wish to immediately leave the region.

Bakoyannis said that a frigate and two carriers of the Greek Navy are on alert, while three merchant marine ships are also ready to sail to Lebanon, if it is deemed necessary.

Concerning the other issues of Monday's Council, the foreign minister referred to the discussion which was held at the Council on the future of Kosovo but also on the meeting she had with UN special envoy in Kosovo, Martti Ahtisaari, at the latter's request.

The minister noted that Greece encourages every effort which could lead to the rapprochement of all the involved parties in Kosovo. In this way, the consultations for the final status of Kosovo would be made easier, said Bakoyannis, who at the same time underlined that positive messages should be sent of European prospects in the direction of Belgrade.

Finally, regardibg Iran, Bakoyannis said that for the time being, it is not showing any willingness to capitalise on "the generous European proposals" and that now it is up to the United Nations, stressing however that the door for finding a peaceful settlement is open and that Tehran should act accordingly.

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