Mr. President,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you and your wife toAthens. I am certain that this visit will further strengthen the relations betweenGreeceandLebanon.
Our countries have always had excellent relations due to the absence of any bilateral problems as well as to our splendid collaboration in every field. They thus enhance the stability and prosperity of the wider region of theEastern Mediterranean.
The great number of ministers and businessmen who accompany you will provide opportunity to further strengthen our economic relations and explore the investment potential of renewable energy sources, rural development and tourism.
An important part of our collaboration passes through the European Union. I must assure you that we consistently support the relations between the European Union andLebanon. I note their progress with satisfaction. The Action Plan between the E.U and your country provides the framework for your general advantageous cooperation withEurope.
Greeceis dealing with an unprecedented economic crisis and going through a process of constant negotiations in view of a sustainable solution. But negotiations are not only about figures. There is a vital need for decisions which will solve the problem, which will curb unemployment while providing a fair distribution of the unbearable social cost.
Lebanonon its part is experiencing the critical developments of the wider region.Greecesupports your country’s territorial integrity and independence. During the civil war, thousands of citizens fromLebanonfound hospitality in this country, as was also the case in 2006.
The Lebanese community ofGreeceand the Greeks of Lebanon make the friendship between our peoples and between our countries stronger.Greecealways maintains close relations with the Greek-Orthodox citizens ofLebanon. We support mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among the different religions and denominations and unequivocally condemn intolerance and religious fanaticism irrespective of their origin.Lebanonis a model of respect for differences and this enriches the Lebanese society and makes it an example for theMiddle East.
Greeceattaches special importance to the full implementation of the UN resolutions. It is in this framework that we support the work of the UN Peacekeeping Force implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and participate in the UNIFIL Naval Force.
My country has also lost lives to terrorism and we stand by you as a partner to help you stop events like those of October 19, from ever happening again. Our thoughts go to the families of the victims. We follow with interest your efforts to consolidate security. We appreciate the spirit of moderation with which you promote the national dialogue and the bridging of political differences in favour of peace and progress in the country.
Mr. President,
Our region is experiencing rapid developments of historic importance as well as geopolitical changes.Greece, the cradle of democracy and of the ideals of human freedom and dignity, can only stand by its Arab neighbours in their struggle for democracy and freedom. We are especially concerned by the continuing bloodshed inSyriawhich has now acquired the characteristics of a civil war and has led the country to chaos and the region to adventures.
We are convinced that there is no military solution for the Syrian crisis. This is a political problem which requires a political solution by the Syrian people. It is also very important that the events inSyriado not influenceLebanon. I should like to highlight your very important role in protecting your country from the dangers of a spillover.
In this constantly changing environment, it is even more urgent and imperative that a solution should be found to the existing problems in the region. A viable, functional and European solution must at last be found to theCyprusissue. A solution which will respect international law, the fundamental democratic principles, human rights, the principles of the rule of law as well as the European aquis.
It is on this basis that the government ofTurkeyshould recognize theRepublicofCypruswhich currently holds the EU Presidency.Turkeyshould realize that theUnion, of which it aspires to become a member, consists of 27 member states.
Mr. President,
You are fully aware of the importance of the issue of theMiddle Eastfor stability and peace in the wider region. A few days ago, the UN General Assembly has grantedPalestinenon-member observer state status. I want to reiterate my deepest conviction that the viable solution is the two state solution.Israelwill live within safe borders, peacefully coexisting with the independent Palestinian state and enjoying fully normalized relations with all its neighbours. It is in this framework that direct negotiations between the two sides should resume immediately and without preconditions.
With these thoughts Mr. President, I would like to welcome you once again. I am certain that our cooperation will be stronger and relations between our peoples will be closer. I raise my glass to wish health and happiness to you and your wife and growth and prosperity to the friendly people ofLebanon.
