Minister of foreign Affairs of Greece: we would like to defend the split between EU and Russia

Gennady Miller. Greece wants the world to Ukraine and preservation of relations between the EU and Russia, and Europe also have to Decide what she wants in relations with Russia, said the foreign Minister of Greece Nikos Kotzias in conversation Athens news Agency.

" You should have heard the cheers when I said hundreds of correspondents before the Council of foreign Ministers that Greece is interested in stabilizing the world and in Ukraine and to defend the rift in relations between the EU and Russia. It was difficult because we had to find a way not to enter into confrontation and not shake our foreign trade relations with the Europeans, and at the same time not shake the relations of Europe, and Greece with Russia. In this context, were very hard conversations that began four days ago, " the Minister said.

according to him, there were a lot of lies, slander was published in the Greek media and the networks and major Newspapers abroad under pressure provided by the other party, which has much deeper pockets.

" Unfortunately, I must say, there is the Greek press and the Greek media, which used foreign arguments to put pressure on us. They don't understand it, don't do It on purpose, but They don't help, " the Minister said.

according to his statement at the meeting of the Board were different positions.

" Partners who don't want a big gap with Russia, looked at us with great sympathy, and some hid behind us in the negotiation process. Other, firmly opposing any conversation and relations with Russia, looked at us critically. Interestingly, they were very hard conversations. I think We held them well, " said Cotzias.

Athens insisted on rejecting the introduction of a new wave of sanctions against Russia. The Greek government has described the actions of the delegation of considerable success for Greek diplomacy."

Cotzias told that the foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier was friendly, since They studied together at the University, when Cotzias studied in the then West Germany. According to Kotzias, rather helped and Supreme Commissioner of the EU Federica Mogherini - she understood the problem and that integration into the EU does not have the opportunity to be associated with aggression.

Cotzias the arguments from the Greek side.

" It should, finally, the EU should think about the long term, what he wants to do with Russia, how to stabilize the situation in the field, and not to react. We told you about their solidarity with the Ukrainian society, " said Minister of foreign Affairs.

The journalist asked, does the invitation Cotzias to visit Moscow and Kiev call For Greece to become a mediator in the conflict.

" Greece should not become part of the problem, or to tear historical ties with Russia, but it can play a special role in mediation and development of negotiations between 2 friendly for us and with each other - States of Europe ", - said Minister of foreign Affairs.


sections: Politics