Improvement of Greco-Turkish relations to benefit Cyprus

Any effort, which would improve the relations between Greece and Turkey, surely will have beneficial effect on the Cyprus problem, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Wednesday, commenting on Greek Prime Minister’s Costas Karamanlis visit to Turkey.

Papadopoulos also said he had a telephone conversation with Karamanlis on Monday, in view of the visit.

Asked whether he believes there is favourable ground for the improvement of the relations between Greece and Turkey, Papadopoulos pointed out that for favourable ground to exist the good will of both counties is necessary.

”Our position is simple and clear. Every effort, every initiative, which improves the relations between Greece and Turkey, has beneficial effect on the Cyprus problem,” he added.

Invited to comment on press reports suggesting that Karamanlis will raise the Cyprus problem during his talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Papadopoulos said that the Greek PM ”will outline the well-known positions shared by Greece and Cyprus.”

Karamanlis after his arrival in Ankara will hold official talks with Ergodan, in the presence of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, Dora Bakoyiannis and Ali Babacan.

This is the first visit by a Greek PM in Turkey after 48 years. Tomorrow Karamanlis will meet with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and opposition leader, President of the Republican People’s Party Deniz Baykal. He will then travel to Constantinople where he will meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

In an interview with Turkish News Agency Anadolu, Karamanlis said, ”Greece believes that if Turkey fully adjusts itself to EU acquis, this should lead to full membership.”

”It should also accommodate its relations with Cyprus and recognize” the Republic of Cyprus, Karamanlis was quoted as saying.

Cyprus, an EU member-state since May 1 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.