Greek FM underlines need to open passing points to Gaza

Source: Xinhua | 01-24-2009 07:56

ATHENS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) - Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis underlined here on Friday the need "to open the passing points in Gaza" so that humanitarian aid could reach those in need.

Bakoyannis met the Palestinian Authority Minister for Foreign Affairs Riad Al-Malki on Friday in Athens and held talks focusing on all aspects of the situation that has arisen in Gaza since Israel's attack.

Bakoyannis underlined Greece's emphasis on the humanitarian aspects of the problem but also Athens' willingness to respond.

"It is the duty of all of us to protect the human population, regardless of race or religion," she said, adding that Greece was prepared to receive children and wounded from Gaza in state and private hospitals.

The two ministers told reporters after the meeting that Palestinian reconciliation and unity as a condition for promoting the Palestinian issue, which lies at the heart of the Middle East problem.

"A solution cannot exist without Palestinian reconciliation and unity," said Bakoyannis and expressed Athens' full support for Egypt's efforts in this direction.

"Palestinian reconciliation is the greatest priority, so that we can deal with the great challenges," said the Palestinian Authority Minister Al-Malki.

Regarding the issue of reconstruction that was discussed with Bakoyannis, he said the priority was in providing housing, especially for children that had lost both their homes and their family.

The signature of a memorandum for political consultation and the renewal of a two-year educational program "reaffirmed the ties of the two peoples and the desire to develop bilateral cooperation," al-Malki added.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei