Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos made the following statement regarding the agreement reached in the Belgrade-Pristina talks:
“We welcome the agreement reached in the Belgrade-Pristina talks. This development, after long and difficult negotiations, reaffirms the political will and determination of the two sides to settle major pending issues to the benefit of their peoples, who can now look forward to accession to our great European family with greater optimism. This agreement also reaffirms the dedication of their leaderships to the European perspective, which Greece firmly supports.
The thorough implementation of the agreement will be a major step towards consolidating peace and stability in our region and throughout Europe.
It is a position of principle for Greece that pending issues in Southeast Europe can and must be dealt with only through diplomacy and dialogue, with respect for international law and with the aim of achieving sustainable, mutually acceptable solutions. These issues must not be perpetuated – nor can they be introduced into the European Union unresolved.
Yesterday’s agreement, with the decisive assistance of the European Union and High Representative Catherine Ashton, is the product of such a process. It opens up new prospects and potential, paving the way for a common European future. For that reason, it has Greece’s full support.”
April 20, 2013