Kranidiotis talks in The Hague

THE HAGUE 21/04/1999 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis and his Dutch counterpart for European affairs Bichtsop held two-hour talks here yesterday.
The object of Mr. Kranidiotis' visit here was developments in Kosovo and issues of bilateral concern, such as the European Union's institutional reshaping, the promotion of Cyprus' accession to the EU and relations between the EU and Turkey.
In statements, both ministers termed the meeting useful and constructive. The Dutch minister stressed the role Greece should play for the Balkans' recovery after the Kosovo crisis and underlined the particular significance of the Greek government's prop osals for an exit to the crisis. On his part, Mr. Kranidiotis said there is a greater understanding of positions between Greece and the Netherlands after the meeting.
Referring to the Kosovo issue, Mr. Kranidiotis underlined Greek efforts for a peaceful solution to be found, adding that Greece is an important stabilising factor in the region.
Mr. Kranidiotis also referred to the promotion of Cyprus' candidacy for EU accession and noted that he and his Dutch counterpart jointly ascertained the progress achieved by Cyprus in its course towards the EU.
According to diplomatic sources, quite a few pending issues were clarified and the two sides' positions were better understood after yesterday's meetings.