|
|
Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-07-30
CONTENTS
[01] Foreign minister floats five-point plan for Lebanon
[01] Foreign minister floats five-point plan for Lebanon
Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Sunday released a five-point
proposal for Lebanon focusing on an immediate cease-fire and
humanitarian aid, which Greece will put forward at international
meetings on the war-torn country.
"...(the situation) has deteriorated into a crisis of major importance.
Now is the time for the UN Security Council to involve itself directly,
and as soon as possible," Bakoyannis said in a statement to the Sunday
Thema and Typos on Sunday newspapers.
The Greek proposal is as follows:
An immediate cease-fire to halt human loss of life and allow time for
diplomacy
Concerted action on humanitarian aid and its safe passage
Sovereignty for Lebanon's government throughout the country; release
of Israeli soldiers; and disarmament of paramilitary groups in line
with UN resolutions 1559 and 1680
Progress in the Palestinian issue by reactivating an earlier road map
Incorporation into the international community of countries in the
region that are willing to help.
Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis told the Vradyni on Sunday
newspaper that the crisis in Lebanon demonstrated that Greece and
Cyprus were a factor for peace and stability in southeastern Europe, as
well as a source of humaneness.
"Greece and Cyprus can play a major role in the region as they do not
promote narrow national interests," Kassimis noted.
Asked whether Greece would take part in a peace-keeping force in
Lebanon, he said that this would have to be sought by decision of the
UN; and Greek involvement would depend on the nature of any mandate
given by the UN Security Council.
|