Journalist: Mr. Minister, what is the significance of Greece’s presence at this first meeting of the Contact Group?
Mr. Droutsas: The invitation to Greece to participate in the Contact Group on Libya is recognition of the important role our country plays in developments in the region. Today’s meeting pointed up the unity of the international community. We continue to convey in a single voice the message for an immediate ceasefire, for an immediate end to the violence against the Libyan people. From the very outset, Greece has stressed the need to find a political solution, and the international community’s efforts in this direction are becoming more and more coordinated. Greece’s thoughts and proposals have been on the table for some time now, and I am satisfied to say that they are fully reflected, and are a foundation for, the thoughts expressed at today’s meeting.
The provision of humanitarian assistance is still the priority, of course. There is now an urgent need for humanitarian assistance, and Greece will fulfil its obligations in this area. Crete can play a vital role as a center for coordinating the international community’s efforts to provide humanitarian aid. I stressed this in my address to the meeting today, as well as the fact that Greece will continue its active efforts to find a political solution within the framework of the international community’s efforts. I want to stress that the UN must and will play a leading role.
Journalist: Did you meet on the margins with representatives of the Libyan rebels?
Mr. Droutsas: I had the opportunity to talk today – as well as yesterday, in Luxembourg – with representatives of the Libyan rebel forces. It is within the framework of Greek policy for us to have meetings with all the Libyan sides. I think this also indicates Greece’s additional role; this important role that Greece can and is playing in developments in the region.
April 13, 2011