European Parliament
Staes (Verts/ALE ).
(NL)
Firstly I would like to wish the Greek minister much success with the Presidency over the next six months. It is a big job, and I really wish you much success. I would also like to thank you for your very detailed answer, Mr Yiannitsis. You made a very long statement. I cannot, however, help but feel that you did not write it yourself. It is, of course, a statement that has been drawn up following consultation between the 15, between diplomats. And, if you will excuse me saying so, it is a statement that has nothing to do with the reality in situ. All the reports that reach us – Mr Wuori has pointed this out – refer to a very serious human rights situation. We all know that the problem in Chechnya can only be resolved with political consultation, with discussions between people and between representatives. I would like to ask the Greek Presidency very specifically whether it believes that it is possible for the Council to take steps in a creative manner to bring about a political solution to the Chechen problem by means of negotiations between all the parties concerned.

