Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-12-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis underlines need for common policy, action on immigration at EU Summit

[01] PM Karamanlis underlines need for common policy, action on immigration at EU Summit

The issue of immigration dominated the debate in this first day of the summit, and apparently the political will for coordinated policies on it gains ground.

Karamanlis said that Greece has supported the proposal on immigration submitted by Mediterranean countries reminding that Athens has proposed the creation of a common coast guard and the adoption of a common European action.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis told reporters that immigration was a problem not only for Greece but for all Mediterranean countries, mainly Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Malta, noting that in recent years an important increase in the number of illegal immigrants trying to settle in European countries has been registered.

Regarding Serbia's European prospect, an issue discussed at the summit, Bakoyannis said that it needed the EU's support, adding that Greece supported the idea that Serbia's democratic forces should be backed. The foreign minister said that Serbia's collaboration with the International Criminal Tribunal at The Hague was necessary for Serbia's European progress.

In statements earlier in the day, Karamanlis noted that the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU sends all candidate states a positive message - namely, that observance and fulfillment of all EU terms and criteria pays off and is rewarded.

The premier also met with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos on the sidelines of the summit.

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