Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 14-03-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Venizelos in Mariupol: Greece after best solution to Ukraine crisis

[01] FM Venizelos in Mariupol: Greece after best solution to Ukraine crisis

"Greece, as president of the European Union's Council, wants to contribute to the best degree possible to normalisation of the situation in UKraine," Venizelos said in a statement released by the ministry, outlining his intention to meet with top-level Ukraine officials prior to an emergency meeting of EU Foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

"I am going to Kiev," he said in an address to the Greek community of Mariupol, "to meet with the country's new leadership - the prime minister, Foreign minister and the president of Parliament - and what is utmost right now is to resolve the crisis in relations between Russia and Ukraine. The situation must be normalised, as foreseen by international law, between two neighbouring and friendly countries, which are also tremendously significant for the European Union as well, for Europe as a whole and for global peace, security and stability."

In his address, he said, "I want to assure you, as Greek citizens, that Greece has you under its full coverage and protection and we will utilise all options we have, national and European, so that you have this coverage, this care you must have, during these difficult times."

Venizelos noted he was aware of the community's long-standing problems and had been briefed for years by officials, but that at present he was there to "convey to you the message (of support) of the President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, the prime minister, the Parliament, and all political powers - because we are united as a nation when there is a need to protect our compatriots everywhere in the world. The Foreign ministry and the government overall is on your side, and the General Consulate and Embassy in Kiev is your home."

According to ministry sources, Venizelos has been in constant communication during the crisis with Catherine Ashton, high representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union, with his EU counterparts and with other international officials in the area.

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