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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-05-12
CONTENTS
[01] Greece, Turkey agree to promote peace in Aegean, Cyprus solution
[01] Greece, Turkey agree to promote peace in Aegean, Cyprus solution
ANA-MPA -- Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and Turkish Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu expressed their support for a Cyprus solution
and a shared desire for peace and cooperation in the Aegean, during
joint statements after their meeting in Ankara on Tuesday.
Kotzias said the two-hour meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere
and a willingness to find solutions on all issues. Among others,
they decided on a resumption of exploratory talks for delineating the
Aegean continental shelf and to promote confidence building measures,
especially for maritime security, the Greek minister said. The present
juncture also presented an opportunity to find a solution to the Cyprus
issue that protected the rights of both communities on the island,
he added. Kotzias said it was important for Cyprus to once again
become an independent and sovereign state, free of guarantor powers,
which had friendly relations with all sides. In response to questions,
he stressed the Greek government's support for the negotiations on the
Cyprus problem and Athens' willingness facilitate a solution in every way.
"We want the Cyprus issue to be solved but in the right way," he added,
noting that the election of Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci was
a very good opportunity. The Greek minister also underlined Athens'
steadfast support for Turkey's EU accesion. Another key issue discussed
at the meeting was that of illegal migration, where the two minister
agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on the level of the justice
and foreign ministries of both countries, as well as on a much stricter
framework of laws. Cavusoglu confirmed a shared desire for peace and
cooperation in the Aegean, noting that it was now possible to implement
measures that averted dangers and tensions. He said Turkey wanted to
build its relationship with the new Greek government within a "positive
agenda" and noted the two-way rise in tourism between the two countries
in recent years, calling for improved transport links by sea and air.
On the Cyprus issue, he said there was joint political will for its
solution and expressed satisfaction with the resumption of negotiations on
May 15. Cavusoglu referred to "determination" in both Greece and Turkey to
encourage a Cyprus solution and said the dinner between Cyprus President
Nicos Anastasiades and Akinci on Monday night was a "reason for optimism".
Referring to an invitation that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
extended to the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to visit Turkey,
Kotzias said that Tsipras will be glad to come to Turkey and discuss
all issues where this was necessary.
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