During his speech to the plenary of the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations on Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister referred to many issues, noting that the world is facing a number of unprecedented crises in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in the European Union’s Eastern Neighborhood.

Below are his statements on specific issues.

On the Ukrainian crisis

“The Ukrainian crisis seriously impacts security and stability in Europe. We are concerned at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine, and we support the country’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. We support the 5 September Minsk agreement, the full implementation of which can contribute to the resolution of this crisis through diplomatic and political means. The key is the achievement of an inclusive solution.”

On ISIS

“The UN Secretary General’s newly appointed Representative for Syria must continue efforts to ensure the effective re-launching of the Geneva II political process. This is all the more imperative given the barbaric actions of ISIS and other jihadist groups in Syria and the Iraqi-Syrian border regions. Foreign fighters’ joining jihadist terrorist organizations is a serious threat to regional and global security. As a member of the international alliance against ISIS and extremist jihadists, Greece fully supports the new Security Council resolution on how we, the international community, must act against ISIS and potential foreign fighters.”

On the name dispute with FYROM

“On the name issue of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece fully respects the process directed by the UN Secretary General, through his Personal Envoy Mr. Matthew Nimetz, and always participates constructively and with good will. Greece has already taken very considerable steps to date. We are awaiting corresponding steps from the other side. We propose a mutually acceptable compound name [with a geographical qualifier before the word ‘Macedonia’] for all uses and purposes – erga omnes.
Greece supports the European and Euroatlantic perspective of this neighboring country and has long been among the top foreign direct investors there. Its European and Euroatlantic perspective hinges not on the name or on Greece, but on respect for the general criteria in place for all accession-candidate countries. It hinges on issues of democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, harmonious inter-ethnic relations and freedom of the press. As the relevant European Council conclusions say, “tangible steps” need to be taken on these issues.”

On Cyprus

“A just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue and respect for international law – particularly the International Law of the Sea – are two critical factors on which the full development of Greek-Turkish relations depends. These relations have great potential and are critical to the stability of the wider region, as they are relations between two NATO member states, while Greece also supports Turkey’s European perspective.”