JOURNALIST: Mr. Minister, what is your assessment of the meeting’s proceedings?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: The proceedings of this informal meeting of Foreign Ministers came to a conclusion a short while ago and focused on very important issues, like the crisis in Syria. Beyond that, we discussed issues concerning a new policy being adopted by the European Union on water resources. The Cypriot Presidency is proceeding excellently and I am sure that it will go down as one of the most successful Presidencies of the European Union. The fact that during the proceedings such important issues were raised and discussed gives political weight to the Cypriot Presidency. Beyond that, the Syrian crisis is developing in a very dangerous manner, and the message being sent is clear: that the regime must withdraw immediately. A stop must come to the bloodshed and this tragedy that is costing thousands of lives.
JOURNALIST: Can the Union find a common approach to contribute to the solution …
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: These matters will be discussed in the coming weeks and relevant decisions will be made. But our position is clear. We stated it some time ago and we are repeating it now. We also discussed issues of political importance, such as developments …
JOURNALIST: Was the Iran issue raised?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: … on the Iran issue. Of course, so far we haven’t come to conclusions. But the wider region – and we remind you that it borders on Cyprus and Syria and the Middle East – is in turmoil. This points once again to the major stabilizing role of Greece. Greece, despite the general economic crisis, remains a trusted, important factor for stability, peace and cooperation in the region. I had the opportunity to point up these facts during the proceedings, both here in Cyprus and at the meeting we – the four foreign ministers – had yesterday with Egyptian President Morsy.
JOURNALIST: Did you have any meetings with your counterparts on the margins of the meeting here?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: During my visit here, I met with many Foreign Ministers, and we decided to further strengthen our bilateral relations. The last meeting was that with the Foreign Minister and former prime minister of France, Mr. FabiAus, with whom we discussed economic issues, in a follow-up to the talks in Paris. But most importantly, we mutually reaffirmed our desire to deepen and strengthen even further our political and diplomatic relations. I invited him to Athens, and soon we will have the opportunity to receive him there.
JOURNALIST: Thank you very much, Mr. Minister.
JOURNALIST: Regarding Iran, some of your colleagues say that further sanctions need to be imposed on Iran.
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: The discussions are under way and will be completed tomorrow. Joint conclusions have not come out yet, and so we'll wait.
September 9, 2012