Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-01-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Valynakis at Med FMs meeting

[01] Valynakis at Med FMs meeting

Illegal immigration, the issue of Kosovo and European cooperation in tackling natural disasters were the main topics of discussion at this Meeting of Foreign Ministers from the European Union's Mediterranean Meember-States, the so-called 'Olive Group'.

"Illegal immigration constitutes one of the most important problems in the Mediterranean. Immigration flows have increased a great deal and the pressure we are experiencing is great. As far as Greece is concerned it is now imperative that the EU proceeds even more boldly and in a more coordinated manner with policies and actions that will secure the best cooperation possible at political, but mainly at operational level with the cooperation of the coast guard of all the European countries," Valynakis said.

On the issue of Kosovo, Valynakis said that "what is crucial for our country is the day after. A day after on which stability in the region, the greatest possible legalisation and the clear European prospect of Serbia must be safeguarded at the greatest degree. The role of Europe is vital in all this. For this reason, the cohesion and the EU's unity of action must be safeguarded."

Lastly, in relation to the handling of natural disasters, the deputy foreign minister referred to the considerable initiatives taken by Greece with the aim of strengthening the European Civil Protection Mechanism.

"What is required is strengthening cooperation and improving coordination at operational level between the European Member-States. Meaning that we should pass from the political proclamation to action and to implementation," he said.

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