Athens, 21 November 2007

Mr. G. Koumoutsakos: Good afternoon.

The Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East have always been regions of great, particular interest to Greece. Greece hopes for, pursues and – making its own contribution – is working towards the achievement of peace in the region.

There have recently been important developments in the international efforts towards bringing peace to this region that has suffered so much tension, instability and violence.

It is within this framework that the International Conference on Middle East peace will be taking place in the U.S. – in Annapolis, Maryland – on 26 and 27 November. This conference is pivotal to the efforts towards resolving the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. This Conference is of particular importance.

Today, at 13:00, in a letter from the U.S. Secretary of State to the Foreign Minister of Greece, our country was officially invited to participate in the International Conference. Greece’s participation and that of other states that have been invited will lend the necessary international support to the courageous efforts being made by the two sides – Israel and Palestine – to achieve much-desired peace.

This Conference will serve as a point of departure for the negotiations aimed at leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state, so that two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, can live in peace and harmony, side by side, as provided for in the 2003 roadmap.

This is Greece’s first invitation to an international Middle East conference of this kind. We see this invitation as coming in recognition of Greece’s policy and role, and of the contribution Greece has made through the years with its policy in the region.

Allow me to say a few words about this.

Greece has spared no effort – whether internationally or within the framework of the EU – for there to be substantial progress in the peace process, contributing to the strengthening of peace and stability in the neighbouring region of the Middle East.

The fact that Greece maintains historical ties and friendly relations with all of the parties, with all of the protagonists in the peace process, has enabled us to undertake actions with resolve and effectiveness. In international fora, we have repeatedly insisted that the international community should address this region’s issues with particular care.

Through our actions within the framework of the UN and the European Union, we have helped and are helping to capitalise on all opportunities, with the aim of resolving the tensions and enhancing trust, stability and security in the wider region of the southeastern Mediterranean.

The Annapolis Conference holds out hope. Hope for a better tomorrow for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. It is a substantial starting point that many have worked very hard on. We all worked so that it might also have a substantial outcome leading to a final agreement.

Greece has always argued that the Palestinian problem is a pivotal issue in the complex environment of the Middle East.

We hope that the Annapolis Conference will open the way towards a final, viable solution with the creation of two states that will live side by side, in peace and security.

Greece feels that its efforts toward dialogue and peaceful coexistence have been borne out; efforts in support of international initiatives aimed at achieving peace in the Middle East. So that all of the peoples in our neighbourhood can enjoy prosperity, development and, above all, security,

It is in this spirit that Greece will attend and participate in the proceedings of the Annapolis Conference.

With regard to the programme for the Conference:

The proceedings will essentially begin with a dinner on 26 November, 18:00 (local time), at the State Department, at the invitation of the Secretary of State. The U.S. President will make an introductory speech at this dinner.

Formally, the official meeting will begin the following day, Wednesday, 27 November, at 11:00, with speeches by President Bush, Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas.

The morning session will be followed by a working lunch hosted by Ms. Rice. The afternoon sessions will continue with addresses from the UN Secretary General, leaders of Arab countries, and other speakers.

The Greek Foreign Minister will address this session. The proceedings are to conclude at about 19:00, local time.