US satisfied with Karamanlis visit to Turkey

by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

New York, Jan 24 (CNA) — The US State Department expressed satisfaction for the official visit of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to Turkey, which began yesterday.

US State Department Spokesman Tom Casey said “we have always believed it’s very important for our two good friends and NATO allies, Greece and Turkey, to be able to work with one another and to be able to work through some of the differences, historical and otherwise, that they’ve had”.

Invited to comment on Karamanlis official visit to Turkey, Casey said that the US welcome diplomatic contacts and view this visit as an opportunity for both states to continue their dialogue.

“Certainly we welcome any and all diplomatic contacts and certainly view this visit as an opportunity for our two good friends to be able to get together and continue their dialogue and discussions”, Casey said.

The first official visit of a Greek Prime Minister to Turkey took place 49 years ago. Karamanlis visit is the second in the history of the two states.