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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-09-29
CONTENTS
[01] Papandreou meets UN secretary general
[01] Papandreou meets UN secretary general
Main opposition PASOK party leader and Socialist International (SI)
President George Papandreou held talks with UN Secretary General Ban
Ki-moon at the Organisation's headquarters on Monday, focusing on the
Cyprus question, the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia (FYROM), the international monetary crisis and the SI's
initiatives.
Speaking after the meeting, Papandreou referred to a "crucial period
for the world and for Greek national issues" stating that he thanked
the SG for his initiatives regarding the issue of Cyprus.
"I expressed my full support for the efforts for a solution to the
Cyprus issue, in accordance with UN resolutions, while I stressed that
with the Presidency of Demetris Christofias in the Republic of Cyprus
new prospects are opening and absolute support is required, as well as
the utilisation of the fact that Cyprus is a member of the European
Union. The acquis communautaire must be utilised, which will contribute
to the framework in which a just and European solution must be found,"
he said.
On the issue of FYROM's name, Papandreou reiterated the "red line" that
he has set for "a name that will be composite, have a geographical
qualifier and be used in all cases, with no double names," adding that
"I stressed that for us the only issue that exists is that of the
name."
Papandreou also outlined the positions of the Socialist International,
whose directorate had convened at the UN's headquarters on Friday.
"Mr. Ban is aware of our positions. He followed our works and he is
waiting for our proposals on the economic crisis with interest. A
progressive proposal, a 'Road Map' on the handling of the economic
crisis at international level. I stressed that the Socialist
International will contribute to support for the UN, as well as a
global democratic governance and a just society at global level," he
said.
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