Papoutsis at Greek Independence Day march in New York - The Best from Greece

NEW YORK - Greece is fighting its own battle under difficult conditions, on a global level, to distinguish itself on the European scene, for peace, security and cooperation in its region, Greek Citizens' Protection Minister Christos Papoutsis said here on Sunday. He was speaking during a mass held at the Holy Trinity Church in Manhattan to celebrate Greece's March 25 Independence Day holiday, led by Archbishop of America Demetrios.

The mass was attended by visiting politicians, MPs and diplomats from Greece and Cyprus, local officials and members of the Greek-American community. Papoutsis is representing the Greek government.

Papoutsis stressed that Greece was reinforcing ties of friendship with all peoples in its neighbourhood, while at the same time demanding respect for international law and the decisions of the United Nations in all cases, especially in Cyprus for the departure of Turkish occupation troops from the island.

The mass was followed by a reception at a hotel in the city and then the Greek parade on 5th Avenue, with the central slogan 'Visit Greece'. (ANA-MPA), P. Panagiotou