"Agean Agreement May Be Signed in 2005"

Alpogan said, "The year 2005 could be a possible date to reach an agreement." Alpogan told the Greek newspaper, To Vima, that he was optimistic about an agreement resulting from the discussions going on between the two countries, but that it was necessary not to hurry. Alpogan said the problems in the Aegean were based on quite fragile and technical issues, "So, the discussions should continue without time pressure. Since the discussions continue and both countries want to progress, we do not need to hurry. I believe that the discussions may continue past the month of December." When asked whether Ankara would recognize the South Cypriot Greek Administration as the ‘Cyprus Republic,’ Alpogan said there were more important issues than this in Cyprus. "The main problem in Cyprus is the inhuman and unjust embargos imposed on Cypriot Turks. Anything possible should be done in order to open all the doors for Cypriot Turks," Alpogan continued. When asked about his assignment as Secretary-General of the National Security Council (MGK), Alpogan said, "I am proud to be assigned to this position.’