Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-01-18
CONTENTS
[01] Valynakis at Med FMs meeting
[01] Valynakis at Med FMs meeting
Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valynakis represented Greece at the
Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers from the EU's Mediterranean
Member-States held in Cyprus on Friday.
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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