New Kosova Report

Greece President hints at recognition of Kosovo

Monday, 07 July 2008

Greek President, Karolos Papoulias, during his visit to Austria stated that his "country is doing positive small and diligent steps in the direction towards recognizing Kosovo independence," Austrian and Greek media report.

Regarding the issues in the Western Balkans, Papoulias stressed that during the meeting with his Austrian counterpart, they both strongly agreed to continue supporting the integration of this region in the European family.

"We have given a promise to integrate all of them and it is important to save our credibility by keeping the promise," said Papoulias.

Regarding the European Mission in Kosovo, he reiterated the Greece determination to participate in implementing this mission, explaining that "Greece follows very closely the situation in Kosovo which it considers a very sensitive issue for Europe."

Greece remains one of the few European countries still in process of deciding the recognition of independence of Kosovo. However, this is the first time that a high Greek official confirms clearly Greece's positive signals in the direction of recognizing the Republic of Kosovo.

Until know, the official position of Greece regarding the recognition of independence of Kosovo has been positively neutral, while actively supporting the deployment of the European Mission in Kosovo and participating in the NATO security forces.

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Ximi said:

Grecce will recognise Kosovo and that very soon. As you all know Grecee and Albainans (Illyrians) have lived together in Balkans from before B.C. and never had war against each other. There was some religion influenc to Grecce to get closer with Srbs, but that was only part of Serbian propaganda and i think the Grecce have realised that, as far as religion in old times Grece and Albaninas belived in lot of gods which were similiar to each other. As fare as Macedonia we all know that so called Macedonians now they are not Macedonians but are Slav people that moved in Macedonia teritory that was part of Grecce and Albania (Illiricum), they moved together with other Slavs that coming from Russia, at theat time our 2 entities were week from the wars with Rome at one side and later from Otomas on the other side. I am Albanian and i strongly belive that at one point we are from same blod as Grecce. My recomendation to Grecce people and goverment is that need to show more suport and friendship to Albanian people and create alliance in order to controll balknas, not to humilliate other nations but te protect our teritories and people from this Slavic invasion that started from 7th century and still countinuing with a help of Russia. Grecee and Albanians please think better and love each other only together we can survive.

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August 23, 2008
Votes: +3

GreekMember said:

Greece has to decide if it is in its interest to hold the traditional Greek-Serbian brotherhood or to break it by recognizing kosovo and wait this recognition to be exchanged by Albanian support in the "FYROM " issue . the " Fyrom" issue is very important for Greeks . The traditional allies of Greeks, the Serbs have not expressed very much sympathy over it due to the Slavic -orthodox unity.The Albanians who are minority also in FYROM in about 25% would wish this state to be dissolved and its albanian parts in polog valley to be attached to Kosovo. Albanians and Greeks have same interests in FYROM issue. Both wants this state to be over.( The pelagonia region in FYROM with monastir(bitola) city is inhabited by greek-vlach population and it is traditionally greek ) The Greek side expects a warm movement of the Albanians and the alliance can be settled....

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August 14, 2008
Votes: -1

Croat said:

	Kosovo rules, serbia sucks.
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August 14, 2008
Votes: +2

fidani said:

	I hope that Grecce recognized Republic of Kosova becuse we deserv 2 be indepedent good bles all countries why recognized kosova
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August 11, 2008
Votes: +4

Paul Taylor said:

Aleksandar, check your calender. If it says 2008 I will be surprised. National pride and unity are to be aplauded but nationalism and separatism have no place in central east Europe these days. We are all one big country now so let´s get on with it. Even if you don´t vote for it at least try and make a good job of it now. Now that Mladic will be in the Hague soon to keep his buddy warm and your old thug Arkan is long gone, join modern Europe and all the benefits that come with it.

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August 09, 2008
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pakashtica said:

	serbia for next 1000 years will still fight NOKIA which one is going smaller in size
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July 24, 2008
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Aleksandar said:

	I do congratulate Albanians of being united, having 10 children and lobbying in US and West EU. Nevertheless, we will never forget and this only one battle in last 1000years. Long live Serbia!
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July 22, 2008
Votes: -3

kujtimk said:

Good news from greek president, and also positive hints from Greek Foriegn Minister regarding the openning of Kosovo's Office in Athens.
Greece memeber of both EU and NATO is perfect leader to spearhead developement and prosperity for entire Balkan peninsula. Let bygones be bygones. Greece lead the way and we'll follow, and in your good time recognize the Kosovo people will for independence. As it suits the leader, hard decisions are taken better sooner than latter.

Cheers,

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July 18, 2008
Votes: +3

FILOS said:

	Greeks and Albanians are the most ancient peoples in the Balkan Peninsula, and we are related to each other. It is high time we form an alliance and mind our own interests. Long live Kosova, Albania, Illyria and Greece!
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July 16, 2008
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bluerose799 said:

	Be careful with Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia and Greece. It’s not the time to celebrate. It’s not the time to take side. They are playing very smart, and we have a long way to go with these two neighbors.
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July 09, 2008
Votes: +1

Alexandros said:

Greece's support for Serbia lost it some credibility on FYROM in the 90s where it previously had alot of support. Greece is turning going to turn that around and FYROM's game will be up.. reasons, Bush Jr is on the way out, American Greeks lobbying the US in an election year, France is running the EU for 6 months, very most likely recogonition of Kosovo from Greece. FYROM is in the face of a foreign policy disaster too, previously these weren't conditions but now they are, the "name" dispute must be resolved before entry to NATO or the EU and Greece has shown it's not bluffing. Not even the naming of their airport and such provocations can save them. Funny that Greece is the biggest investor in FYROM too.

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July 08, 2008
Votes: +0

Tringa said:

	well it;s good to see the Greeks are FINALLY returning a favor to the Albanians.... good things never stay unrewarded.. Albanians helped Greeks in the Illyrian area now its time they return the great deed. All in all Kosova's Indpeendence is a DONE case. Kosova is SIMPLY indpendent - if some countries take longer to realize that than so be it.... the REALITY is it is INDEPENDENT.:)
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July 08, 2008
Votes: +8

Illyrian Warrior said:

	I support Greece's stance. Hope Greece finalizes recognition asap. Cuz, I got something knownas "Besa", and I shall stick to it.
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