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SC adopts Resolution on protection of journalists in armed conflicts- Statement to the Press by the Greek Permanent Representative
Thursday, October 04, 2007

The adoption of today’s resolution is the culmination of a proposal initiated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece and strongly supported from the very outset by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of France.

Briefings by Chairmen of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council- Greek Statement
Wednesday, December 20, 2006

The Chairmen of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council briefed the Council today on the activities of their respective Committees, covering a period from the inception of their duties until today.

Debate on Great Lakes Region-Greek Statement
Thursday, December 21, 2006

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis

Greek Statement before the vote on UNFICYP
Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis

SC meeting on ICTY and ICTR- Greek Statement
Friday, December 15, 2006

Statement by Maria Telalian, Minister Counselor, Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations

SC Public Meeting on the situation in Kosovo-Greek Statement
Thursday, December 14, 2006

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis

Security Council Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
Thursday, May 03, 2007

I would like to start by welcoming the Secretary General’s presence here today and for his comprehensive analysis of the international community’s efforts, over the past ten years, in trying to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Similarly, I would like to thank and commend the Secretary General for submitting to the Security Council his insightful report on the Middle East and for providing the Security Council his highly pertinent and significant observations on this matter.

Security Council Meeting on Protection of Civilians in armed conflict
Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Only some months ago the Security Council adopted its latest resolution (1647/2006) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, demonstrating its determination to enhance and improve its response to the protection needs of civilians in armed conflict. The resolution also reaffirmed the pledge of the World Leaders during the September Summit to protect their own citizens and the citizens of other states if the latter manifestly fail to do so.

Today, given the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in many conflict situations, this resolution remains as timely as ever. We believe that this meeting offers a good opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fully implement it.

General Assembly adopts Resolution on the “Return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin”
Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Statement by the Minister of Culture of Greece, George Voulgarakis

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to address the General Assembly, in order to express the sincere thanks and gratitude of my Government for the unanimous adoption of the draft Resolution on the “Return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin”.

The adoption by consensus, and the co-sponsorship of this draft resolution by a great number of delegations, clearly manifests its importance to the international community and the clear intentions of all of us to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation for resolving all outstanding issues.

At the core of the efforts towards the protection of cultural heritage, lies the consistent and hard work of UNESCO. I would like to express the appreciation of my Government to the Director – General of UNESCO, Mr. Koichiro Matsuura.

Security Council Meeting on Children and Armed Conflict
Tuesday, December 05, 2006

In our view, the 6^th Report on Children and Armed Conflict fully addresses the main issues underlined in Security Council’s Resolution 1612 (2005) and submits specific and well-focused recommendations, which deserve our careful consideration and eventual support.

In particular, we appreciate that specific information is provided with regard to the recruitment and use of child soldiers, as well as to committing other grave violations of children’s rights.

Security Council Debate on Middle East- Greek Statement
Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis

Statement of FM Ms. Bakoyannis regarding the North Korean Government’s announcement of a nuclear test
Monday, October 09, 2006

Address of Foreign Minister Bakoyannis to the General Assembly
Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Allow me to add my heartiest congratulations to you for being the third woman in the history of the United Nations to be elected President of the General Assembly, particularly at such a critical time in world affairs. Your election is an inspiration for women everywhere struggling to achieve equality and opportunity. You illustrate the truth that, as Plato wrote 2,400 years ago, any society that does not exploit the talents of its women is wasting half its resources.

I wish also to congratulate and thank your predecessor, my friend and colleague, Jan Eliasson, for all he worked so hard to achieve during his term.

While we are recognizing service to the United Nations, we would be remiss if we did not extend our appreciation to Secretary General Kofi Annan. I want to express the appreciation of my government for all his efforts to maintain and strengthen the prestige and moral authority of the Organization.

I would also like to welcome Montenegro to the family of states.

Madame President,

La Grèce s’aligne entièrement à la déclaration faite par le Président de la Finlande au nom de l’Union Européenne. Nous voulons aussi exprimer nos vues sur les grandes questions que les Nations Unies aborderont dans la session qui s’ouvre.

Le Vingt et Unième siècle vient de débuter, et l’horizon est menaçant. Pauvreté, guerres, crises humanitaires, flux de réfugiés, terrorisme, prolifération d’armes, trafic d’humains, drogues, violence sectaires, dégradation de l’environnement et désastres naturels.

Foreign Minister Bakoyannis's statement at Security Council Meeting on Middle East
Tuesday, November 21, 2006

It is a privilege for me to be presiding over this extraordinary session of the Security Council, and I would like to thank all of you for having supported the efforts of the Presidency in making today’s meeting a reality.

This is a great honour and, at the same time, a very humbling experience.

All of us in this room are well aware of the multifaceted challenges that we face in the Middle East.

Such is the nature of these challenges that they affect not only the peoples of the region, not only the Israelis, the Palestinians, the Lebanese, the Syrians, the Jordanians, the Egyptians and others, but the entire international community.

Comprehensive Press Conference of Foreign Minister Bakoyannis in New York
Wednesday, November 01, 2006

I am delighted to be back in New York a magnificent city the capital of world diplomacy each September.

We are here to partake in an annual pilgrimage of great importance of great importance: the proceedings of the UN General Assembly, when all countries, however big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, have the opportunity to make their voice heard clearly and, why not, loudly.

Our Presidency of the Security Council coincides with the 61^st General Assembly. We have assumed this responsibility with a sense of humility as the last time Greece held the Presidency of the Security Council was

Statement to the press by Foreign Minister Bakoyannis following SC meeting on Middle East
Wednesday, November 01, 2006 On behalf of the Greek Presidency I would like to express our satisfaction. It was a very constructive and very good meeting, the first meeting at this level dealing with the problems of the Middle-East, and the Palestine issue and there is one common, I think, component and belief which came out of this meeting, that the international community has decided to work very hard and promote the Peace Process in the Middle East.

Statement of Greek Foreign Minister during SC Thematic Debate
Friday, September 22, 2006

Statement by H.E. Mrs. Dora Bakoyannis Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic

"Challenges of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations and other intergovernmental bodies in maintaining international peace and security".

Statement of Deputy Foreign Minister Valinakis on International Migration and Development
Friday, September 22, 2006

On behalf of the Greek Government, I would like to stress the importance of the organisation by the United Nations of the High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development (HLD).

Security Council Debate regarding the situation in Iraq- Greek Statement
Thursday, September 14, 2006 Statement by the Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis

Security Council Debate on the situation in Kosovo- Greek Statement
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 Statement by The Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis

Security Council Debate on the situation in Darfur- Greek Statement
Monday, September 11, 2006

I would, first of all, like to thank the Secretary-General for the statement he just made, which accurately depicts the critical situation in Darfur. Today’s discussion has once again highlighted the need for the Security Council to act immediately, in order to avert an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with potential spillover effects on the whole region.

Explanation of vote of Greece after the adoption of Resolution 1706 on Darfur
Friday, September 01, 2006

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis

Security Council Public Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, Statement
Friday, September 01, 2006

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis

Mr. President,

Over the last -approximately two months- we all became witnesses to an incredible tragedy in the Middle East, one with severe repercussions not only for Lebanon but for the entire region.

With the adoption of resolution 1701, the Security Council took a bold and ambitious step to ensure not only that there would be a full cessation of hostilities between the warring parties but, at the same time, to provide also a sound framework for the achievement of a political solution. This solution would form the basis of a lasting ceasefire and, eventually, a lasting solution to the problems underlying the current conflict in Lebanon.

Lebanon Resolution adopted
Saturday, August 12, 2006

Statement of the Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyannis

For the past month the world has borne witness to another tragic chapter in the history of the Middle East; an unbearable addition to the pain of this long-suffering region.

The images of helpless children and mothers, wounded, sick and despondent victims on either side of the conflict, untold destruction and unimaginable pain has haunted all of us. It has shown, once more, how much we have failed, as an international community, the hopes and dreams and aspirations of all these people.

Mr. President,

Greece has from the very first moment of the outbreak of the current crisis called for an immediate ceasefire.

War is not and cannot be the answer to anything. Violence never solved any problem. It only serves to breed more violence and to create a new generation full of hatred, void of hope and keen on revenge. A nurturing field for extremism and terrorism.

The Middle East has been suffering from this never ending circle of vicious wars and unstable peace, broken promises and lost lives, unspeakable tragedy, not for years but for decades now.

History has proven time and again that neither victories in the battlefields nor blind violence against innocent civilians or suicide bombings or Katyusha rockets ever solved or will ever solve the problems of the Middle East or any other region for that matter.

UN General Assembly Plenary Meeting- Greek Statement on Security Council reform
Tuesday, August 22, 2006

At the 2005 World Summit our leaders expressed their support for an early reform and expansion of the Security Council as an essential element in the overall effort to reform the UN, in order to reflect today’s realities.

Reform has been in discussion for the past 13 years in working groups specifically created for this purpose. In the last months, further extensive debate has been underway within the UN, and the issue of Security Council reform has also been addressed, particularly in the deliberations of the Open-ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council in April.

Statement by Prime Minister Mr. Kostas Karamanlis on Developments in the Middle East
Tuesday, August 22, 2006

"During the last few days, in Lebanon and Israel, the use of force inflicts a blow on the highest right, the highest value, that of human life; that of human dignity. It tests the conscience, the principles and the values of the international Community. It pushes international legality and international law to its limits. It perpetuates and exacerbates problems and deadlocks. It jeopardises stability and peace.

This violence -any violence- cannot be distinguished as good or bad. We condemn it in its totality; unequivocally and categorically.

The response of the international Community, as expressed through the United Nations, must be very clear:

Security Council Public Meeting: The situation in the Middle East
Monday, July 17, 2006

Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Mrs Alexandra Papadopoulou

Security Council Open Debate: Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
Monday, July 17, 2006

Mme. President,

I would like to thank you on behalf of my Delegation for organizing this debate on an issue which lies at the heart of the concern of the international community and was also addressed at the World Summit in September last year by the Heads of States and Governments .

Security Council Open Debate: “Strengthening international law: Rule of Law and the Maintenance of International Peace and Security”, Statement
Tuesday, July 17, 2007

In the past decade we have witnessed the elaboration of an expanded and impressive normative framework for international affairs under the auspices of the United Nations, and most specifically of the General Assembly.

Security Council Public Meeting on the situation in Kosovo, Statement
Monday, July 17, 2006

by the Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis

I would like to start by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary General Mr.Jessen-Petersen for all the work he has done over the past two years of his service as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMIK. We thank him also for his comprehensive briefing today.

We welcome the presence of the President of the Coordinating Center for Kosovo –Metohija Mrs. Sanda Raskovic-Ivic.

We also welcome the presence of UNMIK delegation with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Agim Ceku.

Speech of Deputy Foreign Minister Theodore Kassimis at the first session of the new Human Rights Council of the United Nations Organization
Tuesday, June 20, 2006

The Greek government welcomes the establishment of the Human Rights Council, responsible to contribute effectively to the prevention of human rights violations, to respond promptly to human rights emergencies and to provide guidance and assistance to all countries in order to achieve the highest standards of human rights protection.

Extension of the mandate of UNFICYP, Explanation of vote
Thursday, July 27, 2006

My Delegation has just voted in favor of Resolution 1687 extending the mandate of UNFICYP for a further six month period because it considers that the presence of the peacekeeping force on the island continues to be indispensable and imperative due to the continuing presence of approximately 40.000 Turkish troops on the island and the security threat it represents for international peace and security.

Security Council Public Meeting on the Situation in Timor-Leste, Statement
Tuesday, June 13, 2006

I would also like to thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Martin, for his briefing on the latest developments in Timor-Leste. We also appreciate the presentation made by the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste.

Security Council Briefing on ICTY and ICTR Reports, Statement
Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Ι wish to thank the Presidents and the Prosecutors of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and for Rwanda (ICTR) for their reports and detailed presentations this morning. We appreciate their continuous efforts to bring to justice those most responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law

UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, Statement
Tuesday, June 20, 2006

The 2006 follow-up meeting on the outcome of the twenty-sixth special session: implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS took place from 31 May – 2 June at the United Nations in New York, USA.

The main focus of the meeting was to review progress achieved in realizing the commitments set out in the Declaration of Commitment, to consider recommendations on how the targets set in the Declaration may be reached and to renew political commitment of member-states.

Statement of the Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis at the UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS

Briefings by the Chairpersons of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, Statement
Tuesday, May 30, 2006

We are grateful to the Chairmen of the Al Qaeda/Taliban Sanctions Committee, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 for their informative briefings today. Such briefings give the wider UN membership the opportunity to be informed on the efforts made by three Committees

Security Council Ministerial Meeting on the situation in Sudan, Statement
Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Thank you for organizing today’s public meeting on the situation in Sudan, and particularly Darfur, an issue of great concern for the international community, given its grave security and humanitarian implications for the wider African region.

Security Council Public Meeting on the situation in Timor-Leste, Statement
Friday, May 05, 2006

I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa for introducing the Secretary-General’s report and updating the Council on the current situation in Timor-Leste. Furthermore, I would like to welcome H.E. the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta.

Security Council Public meeting on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Statement
Wednesday, April 19, 2006

We welcome the new High Representative Dr. Schwarz-Schilling and thank him for his presentation of the situation in BiH as well as the outline of the approach he intends to take. We also welcome Prime Minister Terzic among us and thank him for his comprehensive intervention.

Security Council Public Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, Statement
Wednesday, April 26, 2006

It is with grave concern that we have noted the escalation of violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories in the last few days. Greece firmly and unconditionally condemns all forms of terrorism,

Contact Group – SEECP Meeting (Athens, 5/4/2006) Opening Statement by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Yannis Valinakis
Wednesday, April 05, 2006

On behalf of the Greek Chairmanship–in–Office of the South East European Cooperation Process, I would like to welcome all of you to this first meeting between the countries of the SE European region and the parties that are most closely involved in the Kosovo future status process. This is an initiative which, I am sure, will enrich the political process for the settlement of the Kosovo issue and will, hopefully, constitute a basis for closer cooperation between the Contact Group and the SE European countries on regional problems.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis briefs Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defense and Foreign Affairs, Statement
Thursday, April 27, 2006

Bakoyanni 3 From the moment I took up my duties, I stated that my collaboration, as Foreign Minister, with the political parties and, above all, Parliament, would be sincere and systematic.

It has been about two months since I took up my duties. In this time, the activities of the Foreign Ministry have covered a broad range of the basic issues addressed by our foreign policy.

I discussed the major issues concerning the EU with my Austrian counterpart, Ms. Plassnik, who is currently presiding over the European Council, with Enlargement Commissioner Rehn, with the President of the European Parliament, and, of course, with the Greek Commissioner, Mr. Dimas.

Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, Statement
Tuesday, April 04, 2006

It is clear, that recent developments in the region, most notably, the January elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council and Tuesday’s elections in Israel, may mark the dawning of a new political era in the Middle East.

Statement by Greek Foreign Minister Mrs. Bakoyannis to the Security Council on the question of Haiti
Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Allow me to begin by welcoming your initiative to hold an open debate on the situation in Haiti at this critical juncture, near the end of the transitional period and at the dawn of new – and hopefully better – times. Your presence here, Mr. President, underlines the importance that the international community attaches to efforts to stabilize the country and help the Haitian people in their quest for peace and development.

Security Council Open Debate on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Statement
Tuesday, July 17, 2007

I would like to thank you for convening today’s meeting. The fact that the Council is seized for the sixth consecutive year of the issue of Small Arms and Light Weapons is indicative of the seriousness of this matter and the importance that the Council attaches to it.

Security Council Open Briefing on Liberia, Statement
Friday, March 17, 2006

Let me join others in welcoming Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to New York and express our warmest congratulations on her assumption of the Presidency of Liberia. The recent elections and your victory, Mme President, signal the successful completion of the transition process and a turning point in the country’s history, as well as a symbol and vindication of the sacrifices, the struggle and the contributions of all Liberian - and African- women.

Security Council Public Meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, Statement
Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Firstly, I want to thank Mr. Tom Koenigs for the presentation of the latest Secretary-General’s Report on the situation in Afghanistan and UNAMA’s activities, including the new mandate of UNAMA. Given this opportunity, I also wish Mr. Koenigs every success in his important and demanding duties as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Afghanistan.

Launch of Central Emergency Response Fund by the General Assembly, Statement
Friday, March 10, 2006

Last September our world’s leaders pledged to give new impetus to our Organisation. It is with great pleasure that we participate in today’s meeting to see one of our leaders’ visions come true: the launch of the new Central Emergency Response Fund.

Message of Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis at side-event on “Regional Cooperation for Countering Trafficking in Women and Children in South-East and Eastern Europe”
Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Trafficking in human beings, which over the past decade has reached epidemic proportions, is degrading human decency and security and creating a major source of regional instability. In combating trafficking we must not forget that this form of contemporary slavery

Parallel Event on Regional Cooperation for Countering Trafficking in Women and Children in Southeastern and East Europe, Opening Statement
Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. It is a global problem, requiring global solutions. Next to drugs and arms, human trafficking is considered the largest organized crime. According to international organizations, such as the International Labour Organization, the Red Cross and the International Organization of Migration, it is estimated that approximately 800,000 to 900,000 victims annually

50th Session of The Commission On The Status Of Women: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the 21st century, Statement
Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Gender equality is directly bound to democracy and to the society of equal opportunities, while it is of great importance to economic growth, competitiveness, and social cohesion in our countries.

Security Council Public Meeting on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in UN Peacekeeping Operations, Statement
Tuesday, July 17, 2007

I would like to thank Mr. Guehenno and Prince Zeid for their briefing today on an issue which obviously is of great concern to all of us and has an undeniable impact on the credibility and effectiveness of the UN peacekeeping efforts as a whole.

Security Council Public Meeting on Peacekeeping Operations Management, Statement
Tuesday, July 17, 2007

I would like to start by thanking Mr. Malloch Brown for his briefing today on the latest report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on the Comprehensive Management Review of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations – Procurement.

Briefings by the Chairpersons of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, Statement
Wednesday, February 22, 2006

We welcome today’s joint briefing and we express our appreciation to the Chairpersons of the Al-Qaida/Taliban Sanctions Committee, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1540 for their tireless efforts to improve the work of their respective Committees.

Security Council Public Meeting on the situation in Kosovo, Statement
Thursday, March 02, 2006

Let me welcome President Tadic , representative of a new democratic Serbia. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General Mr.Jessen-Petersen for his comprehensive briefing. We welcome his presence here today, together with the UNMIK delegation which includes Prime Minister Kosumi.

Security Council Debate on Peace, Security and Development at the Great Lakes Region, Statement
Monday, January 30, 2006

Allow me to welcome you and to thank you for taking the initiative for today’s debate. Your presence is a clear indication of Tanzania’s commitment to peace and prosperity in the region. The presence of fourteen Foreign Ministers also underlines the importance of this meeting for the region.

Security Council Open Briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Statement
Wednesday, March 08, 2006 It gives me great pleasure to welcome the High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and to thank him for his very informative and comprehensive briefing on the important issue of refugees and internally displaced persons that constitutes a part of almost every item on the agenda of the Security Council.

Public Meeting of the Security Council on Timor-Leste, Statement
Monday, January 23, 2006 I would like to acknowledge the presence of the President of Timor-Leste, Mr. Xanana Gusmao and thank Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa for the introduction of the Secretary-General’s report and his briefing.

Security Council Open Briefing by the OSCE Chairman, Statement
Monday, January 16, 2006

We wish to express our thanks to the Belgian Foreign Minister for his presence with us today and his comprehensive presentation of the OSCE’s (Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe) perspectives for 2006.

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