SPEECH BY H.E. MR CONSTANTINOS SIMITIS, PRIME MINISTER OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC AT THE DINNER HOSTED BY THE PRIME MINISTER, AT THE AUBERGE DE CASTILLE, VALLETTA

Mr Prime Minister,

Distinguished Guests,

First of all, I would like to express my wife's, our delegation's and my own heartfelt thanks, for the warm hospitality extended to us by yourself, the Government of Malta and the Maltese People.

Mr Prime Minister,

Between our people exist traditional and age-long ties. In the past, they sailed the same seas, they traded together, and they fought for the same ideals. Nowadays, they share the same democratic values, the same wish for peace, stability and prosperity. In the near future, I am confident, that Malta will take the place it deserves in the European family.

Enlargement is a great challenge and a great opportunity for the Union. Greece is in favour of speeding up substantial negotiations with the candidates. We will be assessing their course in G'?terburg next month, and I hope we shall be able to send, from there, a political message of support to the candidates.

It could be a common place to repeat that Malta fulfills the political and economic criteria to join the Union and we note with appreciation your progress in adopting the acquis. While fully respecting the view of those who, in Malta, are in favour of a different framework of relations with the Union, we support and encourage the perspective of your accession. We believe that it could substantially contribute to the stabilization of the Mediterranean, benefit the Union and enhance its Mediterranean component.

Mr Prime Minister,

Greece is a member of the EU since 20 years. During that period of time, the economic and social conditions in our country have dramatically improved.

Thanks to the efforts of the Greek people, we are now members of the E.M.U., thus participating in the hard-core of decision-making in the E.U., while, at the same time, enjoying high growth rates and excellent economic perspectives.

Mr Prime Minister,

As you are aware, Greece has taken some courageous steps, and initiated a step-by-step rapprochement with Turkey, in order to establish peaceful and good neighbourly relations based on International Law. Ten agreements, on specific fields (tourism, trade, environment, combating crime etc.) have been signed. Most importantly, at Helsinki, we have played a crucial role for the recognition of Turkey as candidate to the E.U. As you well know, this entails both benefits and commitments, namely in the field of Turkey's relations with her neighbours, in human rights, and on Cyprus.

I must stress here, that Greek-Turkish relations cannot go very far if the situation in Cyprus remains unchanged. A just and comprehensive solution of the Cyprus issue, on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions, is a priority for my Government – indeed for any Greek Government – alongside with the negotiations for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, which continue unimpeded, on the basis of the Helsinki conclusions, and indeed proceed very smoothly.

In the Balkans, Greece, in close cooperation with its European partners and NATO allies, pursues a policy of promoting peace, stability, democratization and development with respect for the rights of minorities as well as for existing borders.

We also attach great importance to cooperation in the Mediterranean. Malta has a very definite Mediterranean vocation and your engagement to promote the common principles we have recognized in the Barcelona Declaration is exemplary. We look forward to intensifying our cooperation in order to preserve and strengthen the spirit of partnership which is gradually being built across the Mediterranean, also in view of Greece's assuming the Chairmanship of the MED FORUM for the years 2001-2002.

Mr Prime Minister,

I believe that Greece and Malta will successfully face the challenges of our times, as they overcame the vicissitudes of the past. I am confident that our countries will preserve their specific identity, but at the same time will be receptive to the many opportunities they are offered in Europe in order to realise our common vision for peace, democracy, stability and development.

I raise my glass to your health and Mrs Adami's as well as to the friendship of our people's and their prosperity and well being.