The Cyprus issue, the FYROM name issue, latest developments in the Middle East and other international problems were at the focus of discussions between Greek prime minister George Papandreou and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during a meeting Monday afternoon (midnight, Greek time) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
"I had an exceptional meeting with the Secretary General, with whom we discussed a series of matters," Papandreou told reporters after the meeting with the UN chief.
"First of all we discussed international matters related to the Millennium Goals, the G20 meeting in Toronto, and the need for regulations in the international market, and also the need for resources in the transactions that could be channeled to support development at international level and to investment in the new technology of green growth, and also to contribute to the UN goals, which are combating poverty and aid to the developing countries," Papandreou said.
"We also had the opportunity to exchange views on the recent developments in the Middle East, and naturally we discussed the big issue of Cyprus, on which we stressed our dedication to the effort for a solution, to the effort being made by (Cyprus) President Christofias, which we back. For a solution to the Cyprus problem to be found within the framework of the UN Resolutions and the European acquis, without outside interventions and artificial timetables," the premier continued.

"At the same time, I had the opportunity to reiterate our volition to contribute in the best possible way to finding a solution to the FYROM name issue. A solution, of course, of a name containing a geographical qualification in effect for all purposes (ergo omnes)," he added.
"It was a positive and constructive meeting, and we contributed to the promotion of significant interests in our region," Papandreou concluded.
Asked what he said the UNSG who, in his latest report, intimates at a Cyprus solution by the end of 2010, Papandreou said that "we've seen this in the past, artificial timetables do not contribute to solving the Cyprus problem. Quite the opposite! Volition is needed, and of course volition on the Turkish side, so that the Cyprus issue will finally be resolved within the well-known framework of the UN Resolutions and the European acquis".
To a question on whether he briefed the UNSG on his contacts with the FYROM side, and asked to comment on main opposition New Democracy  (ND) leader Antonis Samaras who recently accused the premier of "secret diplomacy", Papandreou reiterated that "our position remains that of a composite name with a geographical qualification in effect for all purposes (ergo omnes)".
"This is precisely what I conveyed to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and I told him, of course, that we are prepared and are taking initiatives for this issue to be resolved. And these are not 'secret' initiatives, they are open, public initiatives aimed at finding a solution inside this framework," he added.

 

Source: ANA-MPA