On Skopje Name Issue
Diplomatic Thriller
The Inner Cabinet is holding a meeting at 11:00 this morning, just 24-hours prior to the crucial NATO Summit meeting in Bucharest. The Prime-minister met at 09:30 with George Papandreou at the initiative of the PASOK president. After the meeting, Mr. Papandreou stated “Greece is facing crucial deliberations. Even partners and allies are exercising pressure on Greece. Greece is receiving unfair treatment, adding that it is not time for criticism but time to strengthen Greeces voice in these crucial deliberations. The opposition leader told the Prime-minister that he was willing to fly to Skopje to further strengthen the countrys position as well as to indicate the common stand of the country. Mr. Papandreou also repeated that solution to the name issue is a compound name, including geographical term for all uses. In reference to Skopjes provocations, he condemned “any acts of extreme symbolism which offend our country and our national symbols”, he added, however, that these acts do not express the majority of the neigbouring countrys people. In an interview with MEGA television channel last night, Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni underlined that exercising veto right is a “big and difficult decision, but necessary”. As she said “NATOs door is open and Greece supports Skopjes Euro-Atlantic prospect but there must be a solution. A mutually acceptable name, including a geographical term for all uses”. Mrs. Bakoyianni will meet with the President of the German Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee at 10:15 to discuss NATO Summit meeting with focus on its enlargement.
Skopje New Provocation
In the meantime, after an offensive alteration of the Greek flag a wide circulation Skopjan magazine has a picture of Prime-minister, Kostas Karamnlis in nazi uniform. The Foreign Minister described as unacceptable the new provocative act while FYROM Foreign Minister, Antonio Milososki condemned the offensive depiction of the Greek flag. US ambassador to Athens also spoke of an offensive move. In the meantime, several Washington scenarios, aimed to admit the neighbouring country into the NATO alliance, have come to light. In a telephone contact with the American ambassador to Athens, PASOK President, George Papandreou expressed both his and in general the countrys strong resentment, stemming from Washingtons stand on Skopke name issue. “Decisions for a countrys admission to NATO are based on the grounds on whether they meet terms and credentials set by the alliance” said the State Department. NATO alliance general secretary described as unforeseeable the outcome of the NATO Summit meeting regarding both prospect of Skopjes admission as well as future prospect for Ukraine and Georgias admission to the Euro-Atlantic alliance.
Source: The Hellenic Radio (ERA)