Greek and German FMs discuss Libya

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas met with his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle in Berlin on Tuesday, with talks focusing on the operations in Libya.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Droutsas said he and Westerwelle analysed the current situation and developments in depth and reiterated that Greece, in compliance with its obligations under the UN Security Council resolution on Libya, and with absolute respect for international law, is providing facilities of a supportive nature to friendly and allied countries, but is not actively taking part in the operation with its own forces at this stage.

Droutsas explained that in the event that NATO reaches a decision for the activation of the Alliance in imposing a no-fly zone over Libya, Greece will have a "limited participation", elaborating that this will comprise a frigate that is already in the region for other reasons, a helicopter and a radar aircraft.

The Greek foreign minister ruled out any Greek participation with F-16 fighter planes, while he also stressed that there is no risk to Greece, and especially Crete, from Gaddafi's arsenal.

The two ministers also discussed the issue of nuclear reactors in the wake of the Japan disaster. The target, Droutsas said, is to push for a new inspection of all the nuclear facilities in Europe and to establish uniform and very high standards for nuclear plants in Europe.

While in Berlin, Droutsas will deliver an address at an event organised by the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) on the economic and financial crisis and its impact on the EU at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, which will also be attended by SPD parliamentary group leader and former Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier and Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn.

Droutsas will also take part in a meeting of the SPD parliamentary group at the Bundestag.

ANA-MPA