Wednesday, December 12, 2012
- FM in EU Foreign Affairs Council
Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on December 10. The Council’s agenda included two sessions, one focusing on recent developments in the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian issue and the turmoil in Syria, and another addressing developments in Egypt and Libya, and the Belgrade-Pristina talks.
In a statement regarding the peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Avramopoulos said that the two sides need to resume negotiations with the goal of a two-state solution, the only viable prospect.
That was the aim of Greece’s recent vote at the UN General Assembly in favour of upgrading Palestine’s status at the organisation.
Concerning developments in Syria, the FM reiterated Greece’s firm stance in favour of the pursuit of a political solution and an immediate end to hostilities, noting the importance of protecting the rights and security of all Syrian communities. With regard to the upcoming EU-Russia Summit, Avramopoulos underscored the strategic nature of cooperation between the two sides, which serves their common interests on both a political and economic level. He also stressed the importance of furthering collaboration in the fields of energy, trade and tourism, and of liberalizing the visa regime for Russian citizens.- Greece in EU Troika
On December 11, at a General Affairs Council (GAC) meeting, Avramopoulos presented, along with his three counterparts, the 18-month Trio Presidency programme prepared by Ireland, Lithuania and Greece -the three countries to assume the EU rotating presidency. Avramopoulos referred to the main priorities of the Greek presidency, which comences in January 2014.
The first priority concerns enlargement and a strategic EU policy which safeguards peace, stability and democracy in Europe.
In this respect, Greece will promote the goals of the Agenda 2014. The second priority relates to employment and development while Justice and Home affairs constitute a third, focusing on cooperation in border management and civil protection and justice. The 18-month programme tabled by Ireland, Lithuania and Greece was later approved by the Council.
EU Council Newsroom: Presentation of Trio-Presidency Programme [VIDEO]
