Athens, 23 July 2010

The Greek Government took note of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence in respect of Kosovo.

The Advisory Opinion elaborates on legal aspects of the issue following the request put forward by the UN General Assembly.

The Greek position is well known. Ensuring peace, stability and cooperation in the Balkans is our key priority. These guiding principles define Greece’s stance and must prevail in the aftermath of the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ.

It is our strong belief that the universal respect and promotion of these fundamental principles is the safest way leading to the European integration of the Western Balkans. This is the main objective of the Greek initiative “Agenda 2014”, which encapsulates the European vision of the peoples of the region.    

The EU, in its statement yesterday, made clear, in no uncertain terms, that good neighbourly relations, regional cooperation and dialogue are the foundations upon which the edifice of the European Union has been built.

The Greek government is already consulting with her European partners and all interested parties.

We stand ready to take any initiative and contribute to any process conducive for reaching an agreed solution, to the benefit of stability in the Western Balkans as well.