Kranidiotis - Avdeyev : Athens satisfied with Russian stance over Cyprus

ANA, 3.7.99

Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday expressed satisfaction over Russia's "steadfast support" for Cyprus within the framework of the United Nations and the G8. Mr. Kranidiotis was speaking after holding two-hour talks with his Russian counterpart Aleksander Avdeyev yesterday, in which the high level of relations between Greece and Russia was ascertained.
Both ministers said they ascertained an identity of views on several issues, including Kosovo, Cyprus and bilateral relations.
Mr. Kranidiotis said Russia's role "has been very important lately", adding that the Greek government looks forward to the continuation of this cooperation. He said the international community should exert pressure on Turkey to respond to an invitation by the UN Secretary General to the two sides on Cyprus for a start to talks in the autumn.
Regarding bilateral relations, the two ministers agreed to step up their cooperation in regional organisations on issues related to the European Union, while it was also agreed that a meeting will be held in Moscow in July to promote the Burgas-Alexandr oupoli oil pipeline.
In statements regarding Kosovo, Mr. Kranidiotis and Mr. Avdeyev said the two countries have common positions. as the former stressed the need for the populations of Kosovo to be protected and for Serbians' emigration from the province to stop, adding th at Yugoslavia's sovereignty in Kosovo must be respected. The two sides agreed that the so-called "Kosovo Liberation Army" must be completely disarmed and stressed the need for Yugoslavia to return to international organisations.