Agreement with FYROM is in Greece’s interests, says Foreign Minister, Nikos Kotzias
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Greece is striving for an agreement with FYROM because this is in its own national interest and not because the neighbouring country wishes to join the European Union and NATO – though this is something that Athens supports – Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias stated during a joint press conference on Tuesday, after a meeting with his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Berlin.
Kotzias reiterated that the foreign ministers of Greece and FYROM have completed their work and that talks were now continuing between teams of technical experts, after which the matter will be sent to the two countries’ prime ministers, who will take the final decision.
On his part, Maas clarified that Germany is not involved in the process of resolving the FYROM name issue though Germany’s interest in a solution of the long-standing issue is self-evident. He added that his governent is interested in the stability of the Western Balkans and believes that it is important to give a boost to the reforms process, which must become sustainable in nature.
In an announcement on Monday, Kotzias had noted the following: “ As the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs, we have finished with everything we undertook for the two countries’ Prime Ministers. The negotiations will continue today, and probably tomorrow, on the level of experts; technical and legal issues are what need to be dealt with.
“As soon as they have finished, and when the technical and legal aspects have been clarified, the texts that have been drawn up on the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs will be given to the two Prime Ministers, who will talk to each other and reach the final agreement.”
FM Kotzias:Turkey has a different political culture
It is obvious that the political culture in Turkey is different to that in Greece but we are partners not enemies, stated Kotzias, referring to the issue of the two Greek servicemen detained by the Turkish authorities since March 1 after accidentally crossing into Turkish territory on the Greek-Turkish border.
Questioned during the joint press conference with Maas about a similar case involving a Turkish citizen who illegally crossed the borders into Greece and was duly extradited following the legal procedures, Kotzias replied: “We are partners not enemies”. He referred to the traditional border relations between the two countries, in the context of which similar incidents were resolved in the past.
Kotzias noted that he has repeatedly informed Greece’s European partners about this issue and that he is going to discuss the matter with Maas during a working lunch that is currently underway.
Concern over US-European relations
Kotzias expressed his concern over developments in US-European relations, and said that the EU should remain committed to the relationship.
During the joint press conference with Maas, Kotzias said that “we must remain steadfast in our principles, our values and our views about future collaboration.”
He said Europe did not want a rift in relations with the United States and he added that the relationship should be maintained regardless of who the leaders are on either continent.
Commenting about the Iran nuclear deal, Kotzias said that both Greece and Germany supported it strongly and believed that “it guarantees peace and security in the world, especially in this part of the world, Southeastern Europe.”
Source: AMNA