UN Secretary General’ Official Visit to Greece

Athens.- Prime Minister George Papandreou met Thursday with visiting UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, the first UN chief to visit Greece, with talks focusing on the impact of climate change on migration waves, the Cyprus issue, the FYROM name issue, the UN’s peacekeeping missions, and the millennium goals.

“Greece places great importance on the UN, of which it is a founding member, while we also have a traditional long-standing and multifaceted cooperation and devotion to the principles of International Law,” Papandreou said after the meeting, adding that the UN’s mission for peace and cooperation throughout the planet was “decisive”.

Referring to climate change, Papandreou said that this was the planet’s primary problem, and noted that the dialogue on the issue will culminate with the international UN summit on climate change in Copenhagen next month, adding that he will personally attend the summit and expressing hope that “we will reach a binding agreement”.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon pointed out the need to maintain the momentum in the Cyprus problem, adding that he appreciates the commitment of Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou to help the Cypriots reach an agreement.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Papandreou after a meeting in Athens, Ban said the UN have significantly contributed to the process for the reunification of the island.

According to a press release, he assured he would personally make every effort to facilitate the progress that have been achieved, adding that his Special Adviser Alexander Downer would continue to work with the leaders of the two communities.

Papandreou said he briefed Ban on the latest initiatives he has taken to generate a momentum in the Cyprus problem and other issues, and assured the UN chief that close cooperation would continue.

Ban said he appreciated Papandreou’s commitment to help the Cypriots reach an agreement, adding that he had great expectations from the process for the reunification of the island and believed the momentum should be maintained.

On the FYROM name issue, Ban noted that the UN special mediator on the issue, Matthew Nimetz, was prepared for a resumption of the talks when the two sides are ready. He expressed satisfaction with Greece’s preparedness, and also with Greece’s assurances that it will fully back the UN envoy’s role.

Addressing the Hellenic Parliament, on Thursday, Ban said there is now a unique opportunity to solve the Cyprus problem. And despite the many challenges, he still remains reservedly optimistic regarding prospects to solve the Cyprus problem.

The UN chief visited the Hellenic Parliament on Thursday and met with President of the Parliament Philippos Petsalnikos. He then addressed the Greek MPs in the Senate hall in the presence of Prime Minister George Papandreou, members of the Council of Ministers, the Chairpersons of the Parliamentary Committees and former Presidents of the Parliament.

Petsalnikos awarded the gold medal of the Parliament to the UN Secretary General in recognition of the role of the UN in the promotion of peace and cooperation, as well as the UN Secretary General’s initiatives in this direction.

Addressing the UN Secretary General from the Senate hall, Petsalnikos said that Greece supports the implementation of international law regulations and the UN Charter.

Addressing the MPs, Ban said it was a great honour to be the first UN Secretary General to address the Hellenic Parliament.

He also referred to the major challenges in which Greece could greatly contribute, noting that the four main fronts were climate change, the broader dissemination of financial opportunities, the strengthening of global peace and security, and the successful tackling of regional issues causing concern.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said the UN facilitate the ongoing negotiations between the leaders of the two communities to reach a settlement, noting that stable progress is being made.

He also congratulated President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat for the political leadership and determination.

Ban assured that he and his Special Adviser Alexander Downer were focused on the achievement of a solution by the Cypriots for the Cypriots, adding that, despite the many challenges, he remained reservedly optimistic regarding the prospects of a settlement.

He pointed out the role Greece could play as a close partner of Cyprus, adding that there was now a unique opportunity to solve the problem.

Furthermore, he called for support to the people of Cyprus in their quest for a mutually acceptable and beneficial settlement, for a united Cyprus.

President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias pointed out on Wednesday the important role of the UN in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, and noted that the solution could not be achieved without the lifting of the consequences of the Turkish invasion.

Speaking at a lunch hosted in honour of UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon, who is visiting Athens, Papoulias said the Cyprus question was a problem of invasion and occupation, adding that it was an insult to the EU that Turkey did not recognise a member state, namely the Republic of Cyprus.