In statements after a brief meeting with United States President George Bush on Friday, just before an event in honor of Greek Independence Day at the White House, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said the meeting wrapped up her visit to Washington and stressed the significance of the U.S. decision to honor the Greek holiday.

"It is very important that America honors Greece and the Greek revolution, and through the Greek revolution honors the principles and values that this revolution served. This was also the content of my private talks with President Bush, the recognition of Greece as a symbol, as a country that honors democratic values and civilization. It is, of course, the birthplace of democracy but it is also today an example of a modern European country that acts as a model for democracy for the entire region," Bakoyannis said.

She said her trip to Washington had "gone exceptionally well" and had given her an opportunity to outline the full range of Greek positions and views to her U.S. counterparts, noting that she would continue her efforts in New York.

A little earlier, Bakoyannis had a meeting at the White House with the president's Assistant for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Frances Fragos Townsend.

Source: Athens News Agency

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