Greek PM Karamanlis in Turkey

[akritas]

PM upbeat in landmark Turkey visit

Athens pushes on Cyprus, minorities; Ankara seeks ‘cooperation’ in Aegean

Adem Altan/AFP

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis (left) and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan gesture toward each other during a news conference after talks in Ankara yesterday. The Ankara visit, the first by a Greek premier in nearly 50 years, was described as symbolic rather than substantive by much of the Turkish press.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis yesterday called for the «full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations» during a landmark trip to Ankara, the first by a Greek premier in nearly half a century.
«This is the only road toward essential progress that will allow us to exploit future opportunities within a European framework,» Karamanlis said after talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Greece's PM urged Turkey to respect its commitments as a European Union candidate member and recognize Cyprus, saying that a settlement for the divided island would immediately improve bilateral relations.
Karamanlis also pressed Turkish authorities to improve rights for Greeks living in Turkey, primarily by reopening the Halki Orthodox Seminary off Istanbul, again putting the onus on Ankara's European prospects.
«Protection of minority rights are among the most important criteria for joining the European Union,» Karamanlis told a joint news conference with Erdogan.

Erdogan, with whom Karamanlis has a close personal relationship, said Ankara was working on a solution for reopening the seminary but also stressed that Athens must do more to protect the «Turkish» minority living in northern Greece. Improving the situation of minorities in both countries «would boost the bridge of friendship between our countries,» Erdogan said.

On the issue of Cyprus, Turkey's premier called for fresh talks but did not respond to the Greek PM's overture for recognition from Ankara. Erdogan also called for «a period of cooperation and solidarity in the Aegean» but did not make any concrete proposals.

There were no disturbances in the Aegean yesterday and the relief was palpable among diplomats in Athens who had feared a possible provocation by Turkish vessels. The Greek coast guard had sought to avert such an eventuality by appealing to Greek fishermen to stay away from the controversial Imia islets to avoid provoking a Turkish reaction.
Today Karamanlis is due to meet with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios.

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w.../01/2008_92512


The entire spectrum of bilateral relations, the Cyprus standoff and issues pertaining to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, topped the talks held Thursday between Greece’s Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Turkish President Abdullah Gul. In his speech delivered at the University of Bilkent,, Kostas Karamanlis stressed, "The circumstances of history have not been favourable to both Greece and Turkey, however, history has taught us that everything depends on our own choices." "Now, it is time we put theory into practice. As Odysseas Elytis [Greek poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature) has said, peace requires strength to handle it," concluded the Greek Prime Minister. The Greek delegation flew to Istanbul, where Mr. Karamanlis was received by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who described the Greek prime-minister’s visit as of major significance, raising hopes for promotion of Greece-Turkey friendship and cooperation relations. Mr. Bartholomew also said that the Patriarchate has always relied on the Greek state for improvement of its living conditions, adding that the omogeneia is always a friendship bridge between peoples. Furthermore, he underlined that strengthening of the Patriarchate’s role and mission is to the benefit of all.

Karamanlis-Erdogan

In the meantime, Kostas Karamanlis and Tayyip Erdogan, who agreed to intensify talks between the two sides, voiced their conviction that the bid to have the Greek-Turkish ties improved would gain a new impetus. "It is about time we turned the page," underlined the Greek Premier. Erdogan, on his part, unveiled the Turkish positions, placing emphasis on the close economic cooperation with Athens. However, the Greek opposition parties, PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement), KKE (Greek Communist Party) and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) have distanced themselves from the Greek PM’s visit to Turkey, questioning the gains of this visit. The Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), on the other hand, is in favour of the discussions between Athens and Ankara. The USA also hailed Karamanlis’ visit to Turkey.




Karamanlis' Speech at Bilkent University

Delivering a speech at the University of Bilkent, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis underlined that the world is rapidly changing, also adding, "However, the most worrying thing of all is the blatant abuse of political power, still existing to date. Human rights are frequently violated or simply ignored. In this new world, Greeks and Turks, as neighbours, are called on to meet common challenges, issues that geography and reality compels us to join forces and deal with them. This requires honesty, trust and commitment," said the Greek Prime Minister. He then went on to refer to Turkey’s EU prospect, which Greece champions, and underlined, "The European family is defined by our mutual wish for democracy and our full respect for fundamental principles:

• Human rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
• Minor rights.
• Peaceful solution to disputes, denounce of violence, respect for territorial integrity.
• Commitment to international law and treaties.

The Greek Prime Minister explained that the goal is "to offer Turkey the opportunity to prove its will and determination to adopt and fully implement the European values and principles, the European way. Because we strongly believe that a European Turkey could be of benefit to its people, first of all, to the region and the continent." Karamanlis underscored that economic ties have been improved, further noting that the total volume of trade transactions between the two nations has been on the increase, soaring to 2.3 billion dollars within the first three quarters of 2007.

The Prime Minister pointed out, "The problems, however, in our relations remain. Problems we cannot undermine. Yet, problems whose solution is up to us. I want to believe that both nations are truly committed to the future and that we have a powerful ally to this end. The only means employed by modern, peaceful societies: International Law."

With regard to the Cyprus issue, Karamanis noted, "It is time we knocked down in Nicosia the last diving wall in Europe. Greece and Turkey ought to work along with the Cypriot people to restore its independence, sovereignty and unity. To reach a fair and viable solution built upon the Security Council resolutions and the EU acquis."

Karamanlis said, "We [Greeks and Turks] have a hard past behind. A past known to everyone. However, history cannot be rewritten. What can be written from now on is the pages of the future. And it takes an inspired leadership to learn lessons from the past and shape a brilliant future. I am well aware that the path ahead will be long and harsh.


However, the cost of not moving on will be huge. This is exactly the strongest motive that should keep our focus on the future. Greece and Turkey are on a strategic threshold. We have a lot to benefit from by moving on together. We have much more to lose by walking down the path of friction and hostility. As far as Greece is concerned, I can assure you that the commitment to move on is valid."

The Greek Prime Minster concluded, "History has taught us that everything depends on choices. Our choices. Now it is time we put theory into practice. ’Peace takes strength to handle it,’ said Greek Nobel laureate Odysseas Elytis. This is peace one deserves to fight for."

http://news.ert.gr/en/c/1/30378.asp