Athens, 6 July 2007
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Good morning.
We express our satisfaction at the liberation of British journalist Alan Johnston, who was held hostage in Gaza for 114 days. We would also like to express our satisfaction that Mr. Johnston will now be able to return home to his family safe and sound, following this extremely difficult period.
Similar events remind us of the unquestionable need to protect and respect journalists, and, in general, people of the media who are called to carry out missions either in war or crisis zones.
Greece is of the view that it is of paramount importance to ensure the safety of those who have undertaken the great task of informing world public opinion under adverse circumstances.
This was also demonstrated in practice by Greece’s initiative last December, which led to the adoption of the relevant UN Security Council resolution on the protection of journalists in war zones.
With regard to the programme of activities of the Foreign Minister.
On Tuesday, 10 July, at 14:00, Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis will meet with his Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America. Half an hour later, she will meet with the President of the US Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Donohue.
Earlier on the same day, at 12:30, the Foreign Minister accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Evripidis Stylianidis, will present the Hellenic Aid’s album at Seferis Hall. Reference will be made to Hellenic Aid’s overall activities.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Y. Valinakis has been in Slovenia since yesterday, where he is representing our country at the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers of the European Union's Mediterranean countries. Let me remind you that this is a Greek initiative which started with the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union’s Mediterranean countries, which was held in Lagonisi in October 2006.
The issues expected to be discussed at the informal meeting in Slovenia are issues of common European interest, such as the European Union’s future, particularly in light of the latest European Council’s decisions, with an emphasis on the Reform Treaty and the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as the fight against illegal immigration, an issue of particular concern to the European Union’s Mediterranean countries. Finally, international issues will also be discussed, with an emphasis on developments in the Middle East.
On Monday, 9 July, at 11:30, Mr. Valinakis will meet at the Foreign Ministry with Swiss State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Michael Ambuhl. Mr. Valinakis will then host a working lunch in his counterpart’s honour.
On Wednesday, 11 July, at 11:30, Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. E. Stylianidis will meet at the Foreign Ministry with the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, Mr. Busek. This meeting will deal with the preparation of the presentation of Greece’s proposal regarding the implementation of a Regional Development Centre in Thessaloniki.
On Wednesday, 11 July, at 13:00, Mr. Stylianidis will meet at the Foreign Ministry with French Ambassador, Mr. Christophe Farnaud.
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In closing, I would like to make another announcement, to which we pay particular importance. Within the framework of the programme organised by the Foreign Ministry in association with the Council of Hellenes Abroad, 12-14 year old children from Palestine, Israel, Egypt and Jordan spent together 20 days at the summer camp of the General Secretariat of Greeks Abroad, at Malesina (Prefecture of Fthiotida).
This initiative entitled “Building the Future” was launched this year and includes accommodating children from areas with tensions, in an effort to instil peaceful coexistence in the minds of people for a better world.
In total, 64 children of different religious faiths from the above-mentioned countries in the Middle East took part in this programme. The common element was that there were five children of Greek origin in each country group.
The closing ceremony of the summer camp consisted in a special event attended by officials from the Embassies of Palestine, Israel and Jordan. There was an exhibition of the children’s art works and the children danced Greek dances, sang, gave their impressions of and told stories from their 20-day stay in our country.
Finally, I hope that you have received an invitation for the event organised by the Information and Public Diplomacy Service – following the entry into force of our new statutes – in association with the Foundation of the Hellenic World, to be held on Wednesday 11 July, at 19:00. We have invited the heads and members of foreign embassy press offices in Greece, foreign correspondents, and, of course, diplomatic correspondents.
This event will last for 1-1,5 hours and, in particular, it will include a virtual, interactive tour around the Ancient Market of Athens, shown in the central hall of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, on 254, Pireos St.
The main objective of this event is to send a message of coexistence between ancient civilization and high technology in our country and, of course, bring together all the guests I have already mentioned.
Your questions, please.
Mr. Dimitriadis: Mr. Spokesman, yesterday our Ambassador to Skopje was urgently called back due to her interview in the “Financial Times”. Do you have anything to add?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Let me give you the exact dimensions of this issue. Following yesterday afternoon’s order by the Foreign Minister, Ms. Grosomanidou will be in Athens today in order to give the necessary explanations and clarifications in the meetings she will have with the Ministry’s high officials.
Mr. Kottaridis: Will she meet with the Foreign Minister?
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: She will meet with the Ministry’s high officials at the present stage.
Mr. Dimitriadis: The question is whether the Ambassador was called back or whether she was simply called to give explanations.
Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: The present stage is a stage of explanations and clarifications. At the present stage, there is no question of calling the Ambassador back.
Thank you.