Mr. Droutsas: I briefed the President of the Republic on recent developments in foreign policy and, of course, on progress in our national issues. I think it is obvious that we focussed our attention on the developments in North Africa, and in Libya and Syria in particular. This is Greece’s immediate neighbourhood, and we have every interest in seeing peace and stability in the region.
With full respect for the resolutions of the UN, Greece has stressed from the very outset – and continues to stress – the need to find political solutions to the crisis in Libya. There is an urgent need for the international community to make serious and responsible efforts in this direction, and Greece is contributing with its thoughts, proposals and initiatives.
The role and decisive contribution of the President of the Republic, of Karolos Papoulias – including during his term as Greek Foreign Minister – is well known. His key role in the development of Greece’s relations with the Arab world, along with his standing and the personal contacts he maintains with all the leading figures in the region, contributes decisively to Greece’s voice being heard and to Greece’s playing a leading role in the region.
Thank you very much.
May 4, 2011