Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and the European Union's Higher Representative for Defense and Foreign Policy Javier Solana discussed developments in the Middle East, the ratification of the European constitution and the European summit in December in talks in Athens on Tuesday night.

Molyviatis later said Solana's visit indicates the EU's interest in the wider region and the important role it has to play. Solana, who arrived in Athens from Skopje, in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), reiterated the EU's interest in the region of the Balkans and, addressing the Palestinian people, expressed his sympathy for these difficult hours and stressed that the EU will support the Palestinians' dream to obtain a state.

Referring to his talks with Molyviatis, Solana spoke of issues to be discussed at the upcoming European summit, which he termed very important since it will address such issues as the ratification of the European constitution and the new European Commission.

FM, Javier Solana discuss Middle East, European constitution and European summit
The European diplomat said that after Athens, he will be visiting London and Paris in an effort to analyze the "dramatic" situation in which the planet has found itself.
According to diplomatic sources, Molyviatis raised the issue of FYROM's name during his talks with Solana, reiterating the position of Greece and Europe for a dialogue to find a mutually acceptable solution.

Mr.  Solana, prior to his departure from Athens, had a telephone conversation with main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou on Tuesday night. According to a PASOK press release, Papandreou reiterated to Solana his party's positions on the name issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). During their discussion, they also referred to the general situation in FYROM after the referendum there as well as developments in the Palestinian issue.

Source: Athens News Agency

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