Athens , 2 February 2010

Mr. Droutsas: I met with the leadership of the U.S. State Department, with Secretary Clinton and Deputy Secretary Steinberg.

It was a good opportunity to once again deepen our relations with the U.S. To exchange views on matters of mutual interest and international developments, and for us to point up that Greece can play a role in these developments, particularly in our immediate neighborhood. We have a role to play in the Balkans, we have a role to play and a contribution to make in the Middle East region and the Arab world.

That is the image that we want to have once again in the international community. An image of a Greece with a presence, a voice, a real role in international developments.

It was an excellent opportunity for me to reiterate Greece’s positions on matters of particular interest to Greece. With the Cyprus issue, we are once again in the midst of an important phase. It is well known that in our relations with Turkey we are making an effort toward a fresh rapprochement and cooperation with Turkey. On the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece’s will and desire for a solution is well known, as is Greece’s national red line.

It is important for the U.S. to be aware of our positions on all these issues. For us to repeat them and for the U.S. to be aware of our approach – always within the framework of the cooperation between our two countries. Cooperation on equal terms, between two allies and partners.

Journalist: Did you discuss the visa waiver issue at all?

Mr. Droutsas: We of course touched upon that issue as well. Greece has already completed all of the preparations and we have met all our obligations on this matter. The U.S. side assured us of this; that is, that we have completed all our preparations. It is now a matter of internal U.S. procedures that we are now awaiting.

Journalist: On the Cyprus issue, Mr. Minister. There was the recent visit of Ban Ki-moon. Are we satisfied with the developments, and what is our message?

Mr. Droutsas: Any initiative made by the UN Secretary General in the direction of resolving the Cyprus issue is important and welcome. The Secretary General’s presence in Cyprus is of course a very important step. We hope it will contribute to furthering the process. And contribute in particular to the Turkish Cypriot side’s – to Mr. Talat’s ascertaining the direction in which he should contribute towards the resolution of the Cyprus issue.