Greek president: Solution for Kosovo must be accepted by both sides

XINHUA (CHINA), 2007-02-16 11:21:03

 

BUCHAREST, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- A solution needs to be found for the status of Kosovo, no matter how long it will take the Europeans to work it out, visiting Greek President Karolos Papoulias said on Thursday.

 

The solution must comply with human rights and the United Nations Charter, and be accepted by both sides, Papoulias said in talks with his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu.

 

The two leaders also discussed Romanian-Hellenic commercial exchanges and the constitutional treaty of the European Union.

 

They said the relationship between the two countries are very good, but that economic ties can be strengthened.

 

"Relations between the two countries are excellent, friendly and warm in all fields. Greek businessmen and investments have strong presence in Romania. And with our shared will, we hope to double commercial exchanges with Romania", the Greek president said.

 

Basescu and Papoulias also discussed the integration of the Balkan countries into the larger European family.

 

"I have the assent and support of the Romanian president to coordinate our efforts so as to help these (Balkan) states integrate with the EU. The EU should more attentively look at the problem of Serbia, because we need to give the Serbian people a chance to dream that they can integrate with the EU", said Papoulias.

 

Papoulias started his two-day state visit to Romania on Thursday. He will participate in the opening of Romania-Greece Business Forum, which aims to boost trade and investment.