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Macedonian Press Agency - March 5, 1997

Pangalos:

Greece Will Protect The Greek Community
And Will Help The Albanian People
But Will Stop A New Wave Of Refugees

According to the Greek-American daily "Ethnikos Kirix", Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stated in New York, after his meeting with Archbishop Spyridon, that Greece had suggested to its EU partners that a Council of Ministers had to meet to discuss the situation in Albania. He said that unfortunately the calls made by Greece found no response, possibly because the big powers want to be the only decision makers, but subsequent events have vindicated the Greek stance.

Mr.Pangalos said that everything possible will be done to lessen the suffering of the Albanian people, safeguard peace in Greece and protect it from an uncontrolable wave of refugees as well as, protect the Greek minority in Albania.

The Foreign Minister stressed that Greece suggests as a way out of the crisis the adoption of a process of understanding among all factors representing the Albanian people in an effort to reach an emergency solution.

Also, Mr.Pangalos underlined the economic aid Greece gave to Albania by offering work to hundreds of thousands of its citizens, pointing out that there are limits to this by stressing that a new wave of refugees will not be allowed to enter the country. He said that the borders will be guarded and different forms of aid will be promoted.

[ Macedonian Press Agency - www.mpa.gr - March 5, 1997 ]