Athens , 21 February 2011

[On the situation in Libya and Greece’s readiness to repatriate Greeks]

·       “There is an issue of the immediate repatriation of Greeks who are in Libya at this time, in the Benghazi and Tripoli area. We have already made the necessary preparations in cooperation with the Defence Ministry: two C-130 aircraft are ready to fly – when that can be arranged – to repatriate the Greeks in the area. We have also made the necessary arrangements regarding Cypriot citizens in Libya.”

[On developments in North Africa and the Middle East]

·       “There was a convergence of views on the developments in North Africa and the Middle East: The European Union needs to act, and it can and must play a substantial role. Allow me to say that it was underscored by many, including myself, that the European Union should not simply react to this issue and this region; react in a bureaucratic manner. We need a clear political approach, and I’m glad we all agreed on this view.”

[On the danger of increased migrant flows]

·       “From the moment we had the developments in Tunisia and Egypt, the Greek side took the immediate initiative of notifying the Council and the Commission of the possible risk of migrant flows, which Greece, too, would have to confront. So we raised awareness in the EU and amongst our partners from the very first moment on this issue, and there was an in-depth discussion with a convergence of views that the European Union as a whole needs to contribute to dealing with such an eventuality.”

[On the EU’s role and presence in the region]

·       “We agreed on a substantial EU presence in the region, and in fact some of us talked about a “European Marshall plan”, so that we can comprehend the magnitude and importance of an EU presence in these developments. A really comprehensive plan for the region, regarding both political developments and especially the economic development and assistance that will be needed for the region.”

[On the proposal for the founding in Greece of a Center for Democracy]

·       “Within this framework, I also had the opportunity to brief the partners and to present this idea we have for founding, here in Greece, a Center for Democracy, based on the thinking that Greece has traditional relations with the Arab world; relations of trust. Such an initiative can be carried out only in coordination with these countries and with their direct participation. So, this is something Greece is offering: an idea on how we can contribute to these developments.”