Papandreau calls for a diplomatic solution to the Iraqi file

The Greek foreign minister George Papandreau has called for the need of reaching a diplomatic solution for the Iraqi file and to work for avoiding the military solution. He stressed that this diplomatic solution is not only in the interest of Iraq, rather in the interest of the world as a whole.

In a statement to the Egyptian daily al-Ahram on Sunday, Papandreau indicated that any decision to be taken towards Iraq should be within the context of the UN and Iraq's implementation of UN resolutions.

Concerning the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, the Greek foreign minister called for the need of implementing international legitimacy resolutions and the foundation of the independent Palestinian state, according to the Arab peace initiative and UN security council resolutions concerned. He stressed his country's efforts together with the European Union to achieve a progress in the Middle East peace process.

Papandreau also called for revitalizing co-operation between the Arab states and Europe and to foster relations between the two sides at the various political, economic and cultural levels. he indicated that Greece will work during its presidency of the European Union which will start by the beginning of 2003 to enhance these relations.

The Greek foreign minister also denied attempts made to make a link between Islam and terrorism. He said that any attempt to make a link between terrorism any of the religions is not only a grave mistake but a horrible thing.

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