Greece: Obama’s statements in Turkey positive

Greece evaluates as positive statements by US Presidentr Barack Obama during his visit to Turkey with regard to the Cyprus question, the issue of the Theological School of Halki, and other issues concerning relations between the US and the EU, according to Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos.

He said that references by Obama with regard to the Cyprus question were positive because he spoke about the need for a settlement in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Koumoutsakos also expressed Greece’s position in favour of Turkey’s full accession to the EU and not a special relation between Turkey and the EU. He noted that Turkey’s EU prospect constitutes a strategic goal of Greece, because it serves its interests as well and the interests of the region, and said it was positive that Turkey was encouraged to continue its way towards the EU, which requires compliance with European laws and principles.

The Greek FM spokesman also said that a European Turkey that will implement all the prerequisites and criteria set out by the EU will be able to become an EU member, adding that Turkey has the primary responsibility to implement such policies which will make its accession to the EU possible.

He added that Turkey with its actions can give a definite answer to the dilemma full accession or a special relation.