Archbishop Spyridon receives Pangalos
New York, 04/03/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos met yesterday morning with Archbishop of America Spyridon.
The Archbishop expressed his pleasure over the meeting, saying that the two discussed and exchanged views on national issues and matters concerning expatriate Greeks.
Mr. Pangalos said an agreement was reached for closer co-operation and coordination between himself and the Archbishop, adding that Athens is looking forward to Spyridon's forthcoming visit to Athens.
Speaking to reporters before the meeting, Mr. Pangalos expressed Athens' deep concern over the current situation in Albania.
"We must protect the Greek community of Albania, our borders from an incalculable wave of refugees and generally peace in the region," he said.
He added that he is in constant contact with Archbishop of Albania Anastasios, who is using all his influence to reduce conflict.
"We have offered a huge amount of economic aid to Albania, and this has been officially recognized by the Albanian government, but our tolerance has its limits," he said.
"Just when we were hoping that with the money the Albanians had gathered through working in our country, Albania's economic development would begin, today's crisis came along and overturned everything," he said.
[ Athens News Agency - www.ana.gr - March 4, 1997 ]