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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-10-03
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
Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, speaking at a press
conference in Luxembourg on Monday night, said the achievement of an
agreement on the beginning of accession negotiations between Turkey and
the European Union was a "historic moment."
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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