ATHENS – [ANA-MPA]
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis highlighted the importance of the new border crossing at Lemos in the Prespa Lake area for the Florina region during his visit to the area as head of a government delegation.
The Foreign Minister described the renovation and reopening of the Lemos border station as “extremely critical, as it will connect Florina with Europe”. He also stressed that its operation could give a major boost to the local economy and contribute to the creation of new, high-quality and well-paid jobs.
He said he was also discussing the significance of the new crossing with his counterparts from the Western Balkan countries.
Gerapetritis stressed that the project was not limited to the creation of a border crossing but also required additional infrastructure works to accommodate the expected increase in the movement of visitors and goods.
Asked about the timetable for completion of the works, he expressed the assessment that the projects would be given absolute priority so that the border crossing could be ready within a very short period of time.
Referring to the Prespa Agreement, he said it was an international agreement that was binding on Greece.
He also said that some issues remained outstanding. “On these issues, we are in talks with the neighbouring country and are ensuring that the Agreement is fully implemented,” he added.
“Strict adherence to the Prespa Agreement is not only a binding international text for the parties but is also a prerequisite for North Macedonia’s accession path. On this matter, too, Greece is monitoring its faithful implementation,” Gerapetritis stressed.
Regarding the Florina region, he said it was critical to Greece’s national interests, as it was located at a particularly important geographical point, bordering three countries.
He referred to the impact of the phase-out of lignite on the local community, saying that “the transition away from energy dependence on lignite has created a major employment gap”, while stressing that “a just transition is a national necessity for the country”.
He also said the aim was for Florina to develop into an important transport and tourism hub for the Balkans.
