Rokofyllos on Balkan Restoration and EU – Bratislava, January 25-26, 2000 (ANA)

Integration into the European Union (EU) places candidate countries into a very tricky position, since they must be ready to handle Europe-wide problems, a senior Greek official said on Wednesday.

Upon the completion of his 2-day working visit to Slovakia, at the invitation of Vice-Premier for European Integration Mr. Pavol Hamzik, the Greek Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Christos Rokofyllos talked to the Press about EU plans for involvement in the reconstruction of war-torn Balkans. Mr. Rokofyllos expressed the hope that the EU countries’ efforts would help solve the current situation in the Balkan peninsula.

Greece supports Slovakia’s integration aspirations and intends to enhance mutual economic ties. Mr. Rokofyllos and Mr. Hamzik also discussed the Slovak accession strategy and issues related to Slovakia’s negotiating status.

Slovakia has the makings of a full-fledged E.U. member, capable of acting as a link-up between big and small European countries, Mr. Rokofyllos said. He noted that Greece has supported Slovakia’s candidacy for the first wave of EU enlargement since the Luxembourg European Council of June 1997 and underscored that Greece stands ready to see Slovakia through the entire strenuous process of joining the Union.

During his stay in Bratislava, Mr. Rokofyllos also met with the Slovak Premier, Mr. Mikulas Dzurinda, the Parliamentary Chairman, Mr. Jozef Migas, his Slovak counterpart, Mr. Eduard Kukan and Bratislava Mayor, Mr. Jozef Moravcik.