Karamanlis: We will support Turkey’s EU bid efforts

ATHENS (AA) – The conservative New Democracy party leader Constantin Karamanlis has promised to support Turkey’s efforts to secure a date for the official start of European Union accession talks later in 2004.

The conservative New Democracy party (ND)and its leader Constantin Karamanlis won the March elections ousting Socialist leader George Papandreou. KD won 46% of votes, whereas Papandreous PASOK party got a little over 40% of the votes. This is a breakthrough for the ND, which has only been in power for three out of the past 22 years. At the 2000 elections KD lost by only 70 000 votes.

The theme of the reunification of Cyprus and the ongoing UN-backed negotiations to reach a peace settlement will remain a impoptant national issue. Papandreou thus promised his successor support in the process still ahead before Cyprus enters the EU on May 1: "The Cyprus issue is at a very difficult point and we’ll do everything we can to get a just and viable solution," he said.

Another issue will be the rapprochement with Turkey that was initated by Mr Papandreou. The KD party leader has also promised to support Turkey’s efforts to secure a date for the official start of European Union accession talks later in 2004.