Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis expressed hope that the ongoing direct talks between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will achieve an agreed settlement, which will terminate the Turkish occupation and reunify the island as a bizonal bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship.
Speaking before the European Policy Centre (ΕPC) on “The world in 2009: a year for Europe?”, Bakoyiannis said that Greece continues to co-operate closely with the Republic of Cyprus to find a just, lasting, and functional solution for the reunification of the island after 35 years of Turkish occupation.
“A solution,” she added, “which will allow the two communities to live side by side and prosper. Any such solution must take into account that Cyprus is now a member of the European Union and European principles and norms apply to it.”
“In 2008 we welcomed the beginning of a new effort, within the UN framework, with direct talks between the two sides. We hope that this new effort will achieve an agreed settlement, which will terminate the Turkish occupation and reunify the island as a bizonal bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship,” Bakoyiannis said.
Referring to Turkey, the Greek FM said that Greece is a strong supporter, and has proved it over the years, of Turkey’s European orientation.
“This came as a surprise to many. Yet, we believe that a Turkey within the EU will prosper and help achieve regional peace and prosperity and that includes improving its bilateral relations with Greece. A democratic Turkey will be an asset for Europe, the region and itself,” she said.
Noting that last week the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to Brussels for talks with European Union officials on Turkey’s membership bid and that Turkey also appointed a new chief negotiator to lead the country’s membership negotiations, Bakoyiannis said “we welcome this effort for a greater engagement with Europe. We very much hope that this will be the marking of a new policy towards the EU.”
“Our support for Turkey is naturally offered under the same rules and principles which apply to each and every EU candidate. This is the same process for everyone – the one for example that Greece had to go through. There is no Europe-a-la-carte. Whether one has a population of 700.000 or 70 million. Hence, our support can not be unconditional. It relies upon Turkey honoring her commitments and promises,” the Greek FM stressed.
She said that Turkey has taken certain steps forward, in the reform process but nevertheless there are still a number of outstanding issues to be addressed.
“These issues for example concern amongst others, the consolidation of the democratic system in that country, as well as the respect of minority rights, freedom of religion and expression. In the same spirit, good neighbourly relations and adherence to International Law, are also of capital importance. Indeed, having followed Turkey’s presence in the Middle East one can hope that the same determination will be put into its efforts for greater security and stability across all of its borders, including those with Europe,” Bakoyiannis noted.
