The Cyprus issue, the name of FYROM, as well as regional and international issues were the topics of the discussion between Government Vice-President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York on Sunday, in the framework of the Ministerial Week of the 69th UN General Assembly.

Venizelos stated that he had the opportunity to discuss all national issues and especially the Cyprus issue.

“We of course talked about the name of FYROM and all the major international crises, as the secretary general is interested in the Greek and the European position and counts on our contribution to the formation of an active European policy on these issues.”

Venizelos also referred to the Cyprus issue, stressing that “regarding to our major, open issues, that are included in the agenda of the UN, our position is very clear. We support President Anastasiades’ initiatives, we consider that the appointment of the new Special Advisor to the Secretary General Eide is a very good choice that can work supplementary. But, we still want a solution that is in line with the decisions of the Security Council of the United Nations, a sustainable and fair, a solution that is consistent with the acquis communautaire, and above all, a solution that can be accepted by the Cypriot citizens, by the two communities, through a referendum.”

Referring to the issue of the name of FYROM, Mr. Venizelos said that “as regards the name, I had the opportunity a few weeks ago, to talk at length with Mr. Nimetz in Athens. We are ready to participate in subsequent meetings. We support this process, but we have made big, creative steps. Our position is very clear. The national position is in favour of a compound name with a geographical qualifier, for domestic and international use. So, we expect the other side to take corresponding, productive and in good faith steps.”

He also referred to the issue of terrorism and mainly to reports saying that Greek authorities have gathered information from the CIA and other agencies over the last 48 hours, according to which seven people of Greek origin are related to jihadists and that jihadists were trained on Greek territory.

Mr. Venizelos said: “Greece participates in the international rally against the so-called Islamic State. Greece respects and implements the decisions of the Security Council, the EU, NATO on these issues. We have no problems with jihadists in Greece, but there is a problem in our wider region. Therefore, participate in international cooperation and we exchange information in order to protect our countries. Greece is not facing a problem right now, but we are very interested in our neighboring countries and the wider region.”

Moreover, Mr. Venizelos stated that he discussed with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about Ebola virus, the climate change and the crisis in eastern and southern Europe.