Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-12-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM in OSCE meeting

[01] FM in OSCE meeting

According to a briefing by foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, the two ministers discussed in their private meeting the course of talks in Cyprus, while the Greek side raised the issue of Turkey's stance in the Aegean, on the occasion of the recent incidents south of the island of Kastelorizo.

An assessment of the course of Confidence Building Measures was also made during the examination of Greek-Turkish relations.

The two sides also discussed the situation in the Caucasus, an issue that will be a focal point in the Greek OSCE presidency's agenda in 2009. Babacan briefed his Greek counterpart on initiatives being taken by Turkey in the region.

Speaking to the Greek and foreign media about the Greek presidency, Bakoyannis said "we are aware that the Greek presidency of the OSCE will constitute a great challenge. Greece will be an honourable mediator in all the frozen conflicts which will preoccupy it. The OSCE is a table at which we all sit, we must work consensually and the promise that I am giving is that we shall work with all our strength."

Bakoyannis also announced the first Greek initiative that will flank the Greek presidency at the OSACE and with which it desires to provide an increased role for "women in the struggle against terrorism."

The initiative was announced in the presence of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State William Burns.

In joint statements, the Greek foreign minister announced the holding of a conference in Athens in spring in which women from all over the world, university professors, politicians and victims of terrorism will be participating.

The foreign minister said that it is an initiative that wishes to give a voice to women who constitute the pylon of the family and of society and those "who pick up the pieces" for the reconstruction of societies after the terrorist attacks.

Burns said that the event, which Greece and Pakistan will jointly be presiding over, has the support of the United States and of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and is part of the framework of the Women Leaders Labour Group that was created in 2006.

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