Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-10-03

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Achievement of agreement on beginning of EU-Turkey accession negotiations a historic moment, Greek FM says

[01] Achievement of agreement on beginning of EU-Turkey accession negotiations a historic moment, Greek FM says

Molyviatis said this agreement was the result of a long and difficult procedure. Greece and Cyprus have succeeded in fully safeguarding all their pursuits on the basis of legally binding and institutional texts.

The foreign minister added that a new era is beginning in relations between Greece and Turkey, an era of "peace and stability" which shall benefit both the Greek and Turkish people.

Molyviatis also expressed the hope that the "bad past" in relations between Greece and Turkey can change. He added that Greece's strategic target is to turn "its neighbourhood" into a region of peace, security and stability. This can only be achieved through the European path. Consequently, he said, Greece desires the accession of all the Balkan countries and of Turkey to the EU.

As regards a statement by the British Presidency, the foreign minister termed it purely an interpretorial one, noting that it has no legal impact. In parallel, however, he said that from now on Turkey will not be able to prevent the participation of Cyprus in the European Defence and Security Policy as well, without this having consequences for its course towards a united Europe.

Lastly, the foreign minister expressed satisfaction over progress being achieved regarding Croatia's course towards the EU.

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