“NATO’s common position is very important, because it reaffirms the unanimous decisions taken by the Alliance in Bucharest, Strasbourg and Lisbon. NATO’s door remains open, as does that of the European Union, which made a similar decision on Monday. The doors remain open. All that remains is for candidate countries to meet the prerequisites set by the two organizations. This is a positive message, and they need to capitalize on it; they depend on it.
The last three days have been critical for our foreign policy. Greece dealt successfully with a difficult situation. Three points need to be clear to everyone:
1. We remain dedicated to the speedy resolution of the name issue through negotiations under the UN. A solution that will enable us to capitalize fully on the dynamic in our relations. A solution that will impart momentum to regional cooperation and the European integration of the region.
2. The name issue will not be resolved by crooked means. The International Court confirmed this, calling on the two sides to negotiate in good faith. It is a matter of political will, and I reiterate that Greece has this will. I hope that the government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shows the same will.
3. We will continue to work with all our power towards the European integration of the region. In the coming months we will take initiatives in that direction, within the framework of preparations for the Greek Presidency of the EU. We want all of our partners in the Western Balkans to participate actively in this effort.
December 7, 2011