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Greece has major role to play in the region

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George Papandreou. Greek foreign policy.

PASOK leader, George Papandreou, was positive about the role of Greece in the region.

21 Jul 2009

Greece can play an important role in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East according to the Greek Opposition leader, George Papandreou.

Papandreou made the statement at the press conference after the 12th Symi Symposium on the Aegean island of Skiathos finished.

However he attacked the Karamanlis Government for its governing of the nation, emphasising that the “crime rate, corruption, lawlessness and the practices of whitewashing scandals are unprecedented.”

Papanadreou also made reference to Greece’s potential with regard to “green development” and democracy issues.

Papandreou underlined that Greece can also play an important role in Europe-Russia relations and in relations between Europe and Turkey, with which it can enter into cooperation on energy issues.

He also underlined the need for innovative steps in the utilisation of Renewable Energy Sources (RES).

The symposium also focused on security issues concerning the protection of borders, trade, illegal trade, drug trafficking and observed that a major deficit existed in democracy on a global level, mostly in terms of who makes the decisions and in what way decisions are made.

Turning to Greece’s foreign policy he said it was “suffering a crisis of strategy as regards the major national issues,” particularly in relation to relations between Greece and Turkey.

Papandreou pointed out that “Greece is not adequately prepared,” expressing opposition to a visit to Turkey by the Greek foreign minister.

The Karamanlis government is accused by Papandreou of dealing with Greek-Turkish relations in a “contradictory manner,” using as an example the continental shelf issue.

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