The Obama Era

[Boreas]

FM on Obama election: Greece looks forward to era of great changes, good cooperation with US

Foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis on Wednesday said that Greece looked forward to an era of great changes, good cooperation with the US, and more fruitful cooperation with the EU, in reply to press questions on Democratic candidate Barack Obama's victory in Tuesday's Presidential elections in the US.

Bakoyannis noted that the Greek government desired as soon as possible meetings with both with President-elect Obama and with his aides, in its capacity as the government but also that of current president of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Responding to another question, Bakoyannis said that there would be a three-month transition period for the President-elect, stressing that there has been contact with his senior staff for some time now.

She futher stressed that the foreign policy of every country is determined by a large number of criteria, adding that there was continuity in the foreign ministries of every country.

Thus, Bakoyannis added, her foreign ministry would continue briefing foreign government's on Greece's views and national issues with the same consistency.

http://www.ana.gr/anaweb/user/showpl...16&service=142

[Boreas]

Greece hails Obama victory

Karamanlis writes to president-elect to express hope of closer cooperation on issues of national interest

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has hailed the election of Illinois Senator Barack Obama as the 44th president of the USA as a “landmark victory” and expressed the hope that Greece will be able to work closely with his administration.

“I would like to convey my warmest congratulations in your landmark election victory and my best wishes for addressing the challenges over the next four years,” Karamanlis said in a letter to Obama. The Greek premier then made reference to public statements by Obama and his vice president, Joe Biden, that essentially back Greece’s position on the Macedonia name issue, the reunification of Cyprus and the rights of Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios in Istanbul.

“I appreciate the clear and firm positions that you have adopted on issues of Greek concern,” Karamanlis said. “We will be looking forward to working closely with your administration in solving these issues and in developing and enhancing our relations in all fields during your term in office.”

Relations between Athens and Washington have been fraught this year after Greece vetoed the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s bid to join NATO and pursued closer relations with Russia. In return, the USA’s recent decision not to include Greece on its visa waiver program has antagonized Athens.

However, US Ambassador to Greece Daniel V. Speckhard said he hoped Obama’s election would see the two countries work together more closely. “In his acceptance speech, President-elect Obama referred to the challenges the United States and the world face, including an economic crisis, conflicts and a planet in peril,” said Speckhard in a statement. “The tasks may seem daunting but we are in this together with our friends and allies and we are honored to include Greece in this list.”

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w...11/2008_101909

[musicofil]

The new administration will continue the course Bush plotted cause they have no other option ...