The Greek government is implementing policies designed to improve ties with Turkey, with an ultimate goal of full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said Friday.
The remarks were made ahead of Karamanlis' visit to Turkey on Jan. 23-25 at an invitation by his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Karamanlis is the first Greek prime minister to visit Turkey in almost 50 years.
"We are following a strategy that is oriented toward the future," Karamanlis said, adding that "We are seeking the gradual restoration of mutual trust. We are working for the full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations, which, of course, also presupposes a resolution of the Cyprus issue."
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers who pushed for union with Greece.
For decades, the United Nations has continuously worked to persuade Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to find a viable solution.
In a referendum held in April 2004, Greek Cypriots rejected a settlement plan by then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan because it would not meet their aspiration for the island's reunification, while Turkish Cypriots approved it.
There were issues that "must be discussed, without discounts, without concessions, but with affirmation of the national positions and national just demands, and on the basis of international law, international treaties and the European Union texts," Karamanlis said.
Source: Xinhua
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