Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-07-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Kotzias takes positive view of EU General Affairs Council statement on Turkey

[02] Moscovici addresses MPs, pledges 'unceasing' support for Greek efforts to solve the problems

[01] FM Kotzias takes positive view of EU General Affairs Council statement on Turkey

In statements to Greek journalists, Kotzias said agreement was reached on three issues: that there will be a condemnation of the coup and an expression of support for the institutions and constitutionality in Turkey; that the Turkish government will be asked to take action in accordance with international law and protection of human rights; and that Turkey show restraint.

There was also a trend among Council members to also ask for the abolition of the death sentence in Turkey in order for its relations with the EU to continue, Kotzias reported.

Regarding the eight Turkish officers that have requested asylum in Greece, Kotzias said the matter had not been raised by his EU partners but that he raised it himself, in order to demonstrate the difficulties and particularities of relations between Greece and Turkey.

"We will apply European and Greek law and deal with this case on this basis, taking into account that they are eight officers that took part in the coup," he added.

Regarding the negotiations with the EU on the issue of China and the South China Sea, Kotzias said he was expecially pleased with "three exceptional results" that had been achieved.

"The first is that the wording is such that it suits Greece's interests, because it is a country with special interests as regards the implementation of the Law of the Sea and especially as regards the Aegean. The second is to deflect an effort to blame Greece if a decision could not be reached - though it was finally other countries that refused to let this decision be issued - and thirdly, the tone and wording was such that they maintain dialogue and friendly relations between the EU and China, especially those of Greece with China," he said.

[02] Moscovici addresses MPs, pledges 'unceasing' support for Greek efforts to solve the problems

Speaking at a special joint session of Parliament's European Affairs, Finance, and Production and Trade Committees on the topic "Building Greece's Future Together", Moscovici placed emphasis on the need for reforms while addressing MPs.

"It is a time of strategic choices. There can be no backsliding but only support for the efforts already begun, so that they can be completed," he said.

The Commissioner said he had personally opposed Grexit proposals and always maintained that Greece's place was and remained in the heart of Europe. He noted the agreement signed between Greece and its EU partners in July 2015 had been "difficult" and that "we have to be on the alert to ensure that these expectations are fulfilled."

"We must all work together for this goal, so that these changes are lasting," he added.

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