Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-03-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek and German DMs meet in Athens

[01] Greek and German DMs meet in Athens

Speaking after the meeting on the European defence and security policy, Meimarakis expressed Greece's support for the aims of the German EU presidency and assessed that an impetus will be provided for European defence and security policy in cooperation with the EU's two next presidencies to strengthen the EU's defence dimension for the benefit of peace and international security.

As regards the security situation in the Balkans, Meimarakis reiterated Greece's support for preconditions that are essential for the consolidation of a climate of peace, stability and good neighbourliness in the region.

On the issue of Kosovo, the minister said that Greece is carefully watching developments and is in favour of a viable, workable and long-term solution, while referring to the important role NATO is being called on to play for a smooth transition to the new status quo, "whenever this is agreed", as well as the EU with its planned non-military operation after a new status quo is determined, to strengthen the institutions of a state of law.

On his part, Jung expressed the hope that the two sides in Kosovo will reach some kind of an agreement and, referring to Bosnia-Herzegovina, said that developments being shaped provide the possibility for a decrease in the forces of Greece and Germany in the region.

On the question of Afghanistan, the two ministers agreed that efforts to promote security and development in the country must be continued at the same time "so that at some time the government of Afghanistan will be in a position to assume by itself and with its own forces the governance of the country."

Commenting on the naval force patrolling the sea region of Lebanon(UNIFIL), Jung said that its aim is the stabilisation of the ceasefire achieved so that a political solution on peace in the Middle East can be reached afterwards.

As regards the issue of the command of the force, assumed by Germany until August 31, Jung clarified that "we shall see what the situation to follow will be in the framework of the UN."

Meimarakis pointed out on his part that "we made it clear that ships dock in Limassol, (Cyprus) the new command must have an objectiveness on these issues and the situation to follow must follow the recipe tested, which existed from the German command and this must be continued."

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