CALL FOR FRIENDSHIP IN TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS

Making a statement to the Real News Gazette published in Athens, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis emphasized that they would like to see the Aegean transform into a sea of friendship and cooperation.

Referring to Turkish-Greek relations Bagis noted: "Currently, both countries have Prime Ministers who are brave and determined to solve the problems. This is a great opportunity in terms of making progress in Turkish-Greek relations."

Bagis stated that the key to making progress in Turkish-Greek relations was to solve some chronic problems such as the Aegean Sea and the Cyprus. Bagis said: "We, as Turkey, would like to see the Aegean transform into a sea of friendship and cooperation. If we are to further develop our bilateral relations, we should find a solution to the ongoing problems such as the Aegean Sea and the Cyprus. For this reason, both sides should attach importance to the exploratory talks."

Bagis also stated that there was no change in Turkey's argument over the Aegean Sea and added that all issues were handled in the exploratory talks.

Answering a question about the Cyprus issue, Bagis said: "It is time to take determined steps and reach a solution about the Cyprus issue. This can not be achieved merely by the efforts of Turkey." Stating that the presidency of the Cyprus could be an opportunity, Bagis noted these:

"Although some people think that the presidency of Cyprus would impair the relations between Turkey and Europe, I believe that this period would turn out to be an opportunity. This period will enable the Greek Cypriots to show that they have reached a maturity of calculating accurately the EU interests. We will see whether a country which assumes the EU presidency will isolate the people in the Island or choose the peace."

Upon the questions regarding minorities in Turkey and Greece Bagis said that it was AK Party which facilitated the demands of the minorities and respond to their problems the most.

Bagis stated that there were some legal problems that need to be solved regarding the reopening of the Halki seminary and added that the competent ministries and the institutions were continuing their works in order to find the best possible solution. Bagis noted: "The Greek government should also take into account of the demands of the Western Thrace's Turkish minorities."