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Macedonian Press Agency - July 1, 1999

Greek FM Meets With Archbishop Spyridon In New York

Greece's Foreign Minister George Papandreou was received by Archbishop Spyridon, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of America, in New York yesterday, where they discussed the developments in Kosovo and the Cyprus issue.

Following the talks, Mr. Papandreou stated that they had the opportunity to exchange views on a variety of important issues.

"I had the opportunity to brief His Eminence on the recent discussion held with at the United Nations concerning Kosovo and the talks held with my Turkish counterpart Ismael Cem, explaining that it is a first step which we hope that it will bear fruit in the future," Mr. Papandreou stated.

The Archbishop commented on the report from the Commission on Greek Language and Hellenic Culture commonly referred to as the "Rassias Report" and titled "The Future of the Greek Language and Culture in the United States: Survival in The Diaspora."

Mr. Papandreou, who has formerly served as the Education Minister, stated his satisfaction with the report and said it appears promising and meaningful.

Furthermore, the Archbishop conveyed Archdiocese's full support for the Greek Government's extensive efforts in the Balkans. His Eminence also informed the Foreign Minister of the significant financial contributions of the Archdiocese for the Orthodox Church of Serbia. To date, the Archdiocese of America has donated $135,000 for the Serbian Orthodox Church in Yugoslavia.

Subsequently, the Archbishop expressed his continued support for Cyprus and stated "now that the situation in Kosovo is being slowly resolved the Cyprus issue must once again become a priority for the international community.

"After twenty-five years of illegal occupation in northern Cyprus by the Turkish army, the American interest must be exercised as President Clinton has repeatedly promised," he said.

[ Macedonian Press Agency - www.mpa.gr - July 1, 1999 ]