The informal conference of European Union defense ministers began in Wiesbaden, Germany, on Thursday, with the participation of Greek Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, focusing on the EU's operations in the framework of the European Security and Defense Policy (operation ALTHEA, Kosovo, Afghanistan).

Referring to the issue of Kosovo during his address, Meimarakis said that Greece is particularly interested, as a neighboring country, in the finding of a balanced solution to the issue of the future status quo of Kosovo and stressed that Greece agrees absolutely with Javier Solana on the need for a UN Security Council resolution as a legitimizing basis for the implementation of the final solution and whatever mission by the EU.

The EU is considering sending a non-military mission to Kosovo, in the sectors of a state of law and democratic institutions, a mission that is very important both for the local population and the EU's credibility, according to defense ministry press release.

Also discussed the possible participation of the EU in Afghanistan with police forces (non-military mission) and the significance of such a mission for backing the Afghan government and the Afghan people.

Issues concerning the EU's military potential (General Military Target for 2010) and European Defense Organization matters will be discussed during Friday's session.

Source: Athens News Agency

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