Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-02-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Bakoyannis on Kosovo

[01] FM Bakoyannis on Kosovo

Speaking to reporters at the end of a European Union Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, Bakoyannis said that the '27' agreed, after difficult consultations, on a text of "common positions" on the Kosovo issue. She added that "Greece always believed and continues to believe that the best solutions to differences and problems come out from mutually acceptable arrangements, through dialogue and consultations, and not by unilateral actions and faits accomplis."

"This position, founded on the respect of the principle of peaceful resolution of differences, has determined our policy on the issue of the status of Kosovo as well," Bakoyannis added.

Sunday's decisions in Pristina, the Greek foreign minister said, "undoubtedly create a new reality in the particularly sensitive region of Western Balkans and what counts first is the stability and security of the region."

Bakoyannis also underlined that what is also "extremely important is the security and the respect of Serbs and of other ethnic minorities living in Kosovo." The EU, she added, calls on all sides which are directly implicated "to abstain from actions that could fuel dangerous tensions."

She also termed as "indispensable" the active presence of the EU and its cooperation with the NATO force of KFOR in Kosovo, saying that they constituted a "guarantee of security".

Regarding Greece's participation in the EU's mission in Kosovo, Bakoyannis said that Greece as the oldest EU and NATO member in Southeastern Europe, "must have its own contribution to this collective effort."

"Our participation in Europe's presence in Kosovo confirms and reinforces our role as regional force of responsibility and stability," Bakoyannis underlined.

Regarding recognition of Kosovo's independence by Athens, the Greek foreign minister said that Greece "will take any of its decisions at a later stage, after examining in depth all developments, dimensions and their repercussions on regional security and Greece's interests."

She concluded by saying that Greece would go on cooperating closely with its European partners and its neighbouring countries, taking into consideration "the particular role that Serbia has for the preservation of reginal balance and stability."

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

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