Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-03-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece conditionally backs Turkey's move towards EU

[01] Greece conditionally backs Turkey's move towards EU

Turkey had accepted the conditions, including implementation of the Ankara protocol, and Greece was working for a normalisation of bilateral ties, although the presence of the other side was also needed, Bakoyannis told Die Presse.

Turning to the threat of war, or casus belli, contained in Turkey's military dogma, the minister said: "I'm speaking openly. This is not a friendly stance compatible with neighbours. Such a rationale has no place in a common Europe. Turkey will come to realise that, if it wants to become part of Europe."

Asked whether Turkey was European enough to become a member, Bakoyannis noted that the point was how European the country would be before possible membership, rather than its current status.

"This opportunity must be given (to Turkey), and of course it has quite a few changes to make in its domestic and foreign policy," she added.

On Cyprus, the minister stated that the Annan plan belonged to the past and that a new situation had emerged. Athens supported efforts by the UN secretary general, whose meeting, last week in Paris, with the Cypriot president was good.

It was important to prepare well for the next effort, which must not fail. The new plan should be based on UN resolutions and the reality in Europe, she added.

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