Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-09-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Bakoyannis attends EU foreign ministers council

[01] FM Bakoyannis attends EU foreign ministers council

As regards developments in the western Balkans, the Greek foreign minister briefed the Council on her contacts in Pristina and Belgrade on Thursday, while making special reference to the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia.

On the question of Serbia in particular, Bakoyannis told reporters that a widespread agreement was reached in the framework of the Council for supporting Serbia. Positive messages must be sent to Serbia which is one of the biggest Balkan countries, as she said.

Referring to Kosovo, she said that progress has been achieved in some sectors, particularly regarding protection for monuments of great cultural importance. On the other hand, she added, the decentralisation process being promoted is continuing to be problematic.

On the question of the Middle East, the foreign minister said that the situation in Lebanon was developing positively and at the moment the international military force numbered 6,000 troops.

However, Bakoyannis noted that serious problems continue to exist on the internal front in Lebanon and support for the government and the Prime Minister of Lebanon Fuad Siniora was necessary. She also said that the account of Greece's participation in the peacekeeping process so far is positive.

With regard to Iran, Bakoyannis said that diplomatic consultations are continuing, but pointed out that two options exist. The one is the implementation of the Security Council's decision in the event that Iran does not show a constructive stance and the other is the continuation of diplomatic initiatives.

Commenting on the Palestinian issue, the foreign minister said that the EU supports the efforts of President Mahmoud Abbas for the forming of a national unity government.

She further said that the EU would support the Palestinian people, but underlined that the possibilities of the EU budget were now limited and that other countries should take initiatives in the economic sector, particularly Arab countries.

Meeting with Rehn

Bakoyannis met on the sidelines of the Council with Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn and discussed Turkey's European prospects, also in light of the report that the European Commission will be presenting in October.

The foreign minister noted that Ankara's government must promote the process of reforms, while on the issue of the implementation of the customs union protocol, Bakoyannis reiterated once again that Turkey must honour its signature.

She stressed that the implementation of the protocol is an "autonomous commitment" for Turkey and made it clear that in no way can there be a linking of the protocol's implementation with the promotion of the regulation on the trade status of the Turkish Cypriots.

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