Foreign Minister Avramoupoulos’ statement following his meeting with the UN Secretary General

“The UN Secretary General and I had very substantial and heartfelt talks on issues that concern our whole region at this time.

We of course emphasized Greek issues of particular importance, including the Cyrus issue and the FYROM name issue. Once again, we had the opportunity to set out the reality of the situation as it now stands.

With regard to the Cyprus issue, we reiterated our fundamental position, which is, first of all, support for the UN, with the aim of finding a viable, stable and permanent solution, within a unified state where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots shall live in harmony.

With regard to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, I set out for the Secretary General how things stand today, for what reasons the process has not moved in the direction we all desire – a process that is being carried out under the auspices of the UN. It is clear that this is not Greece’s fault. We noted the need for a response, as soon as possible, to the initiatives that have been undertaken, with full respect for the history of our homeland. At the same time, the finding of a solution will benefit stability, peace and cooperation in this sensitive region of Europe.

I asked the UN Secretary General to continue his effort, to point to ways to a solution, and that is why we once again encouraged the initiative that is underway under Mr. Nimetz.

I made particular reference to the broader crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the countries of the Arab Spring, and to the dramatic dimensions and implementations that the bloodshed in Syria now has, with special reference to the major refugee problem that is now being provoked in this region of the Mediterranean.

I told the Secretary General that our country, which, despite the crisis, continues to be one of the constant and stabilizing factors in the region, is at his disposal to contribute – through specific initiatives – to the consolidation of peace, security and cooperation in the region.

That was the context within which our meeting today with the Secretary General took place. As you know, many other bilateral and multilateral meetings and discussions will follow, with fellow foreign ministers from many countries all over the world, within the framework of the initiatives and proceedings that are under way here.”