Athens, 13 August 2008

“We greet yesterday's positive development which can become the start of a substantial effort to reach a definitive solution on this problem to the benefit of security and stability in the region.

With regard to Greece’s general stance, I would like to mention the following:

The region of the Caucasus is a complex, vulnerable, and very important region geopolitically.

Its stability is vital not just for regional, but also international, security and peace.

This is why every move there requires particular attention, responsibility and prudence.

The crisis in South Ossetia should not have broken out in the first place. There were obviously wrong handlings and decisions.

What is of outmost importance now is for it not to continue. It is, therefore, imperative that the ceasefire is consistently abided by, that the definitive cessation of operations is confirmed, that there is a return to the status-quo-ante, and that a substantial dialogue is initiated.

Not having recourse to violence as a means for solving conflicts and respecting the territorial integrity of states have always been two fundamental principles of our foreign policy.

Greece’s stance as a member of the European Union and NATO, and as the country to assume the upcoming OSCE Chairmanship, is shaped on the basis of these principles following a detailed evaluation of developments – taking into account all their parameters – in consultation with partners, friends and allies.

We supported and we firmly support the French EU Presidency’s efforts and President Sarkozy's initiatives. We would like to congratulate France’s immediate and effective mobilization.

It is obvious that we pay particular attention to the humanitarian dimension of this crisis and we are prepared to offer our help. Right now, a C-130 aircraft carrying the first shipment of Greek humanitarian aid is en route to the region. A financial contribution of €100,000 through the UNHCR was also decided upon with a view to providing relief to the refugees of South Ossetia headed towards the North.

Finally, I would like to add that from the very first moment, the Foreign Ministry paid particular attention to the security of people of Greek origin in the region by immediately taking all the necessary actions.”