Greek FM Papandreau: Cyprus Either Divides Us or Unites Us

Saying that the most important problem between Turkey and Greece was the Cyprus issue, the Greek minister said: "That matter exposed the difficulties in bilateral relations. However, Cyprus is not the only problem of the two sides, Cyprus will either divide us or unite us."

Calling Turkey’s Peace Operation on the island in 1974 an invasion, Papandreu said: "Security is very different from what it was 20 years ago. A big military presence in Cyprus is not a guarantee for the future, nor for prosperity."

Referring to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas’ proposal for Maras in exchange for Lefkosa (Nicosia) airport, Papandreu said: "Denktas comes up with several proposals. It is very nice, however, let us look ahead. We shouldn’t leave the subject of agreement out of the agenda. While proposing something, if we make mistakes, we lose sight of the objective."

Meanwhile, issuing a statement in Athens, Greek Government Spokesman Christos Protopapas described President Denktas’ latest proposal as a manoeuvre. "These manoeuvres won’t convince anybody," he said. Soldiers’ Roles Need to be Changed Commenting on the military reforms required to bring Turkey in line with European Union (EU) standards, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Papandreau said: "The EU has certain values. Any of the European countries would recognize the military’s influence in politics. That is a big problem in Turkey. Soldiers in Turkey have very influential roles, time and again. As far as I understand, the military now sees that as well, but it is necessary for the relationship between a democratically elected government and soldiers to change completely." Papandreau stated that Greece supported Turkey’s EU membership, and that religion was not a barrier to entry: "A secular and Muslim Turkey as a member of EU would play a perfect role for the Islamic world," he said. Attending the Bilgi University Social Science Institute’s graduation ceremony yesterday, the Greek Minister visited Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeous. After a meeting with Bartholomeous, at the patriarchate, Papandreu lighted a candle and kissed a saint’s picture on the wall. Before leaving, Papandreu made a 50-Euro donation to the patriarchate.

Cihan News Agency / Istanbul / TURKEY