Greek PM labels Turkey as occupant

PanARMENIAN.Net - Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou leveled severe criticism on Turkey during his visit to Erzurum.

Papandreou referred to an opportunity to "speak frankly and openly about our future. Will this be a future of peace or confrontation?"

"Nevertheless, trust is difficult to develop," he stressed, citing a provocation that occurred as late as Wednesday with the overflight of eight Turkish warplanes of "a small Greek isle (Agathonissi) with 150 inhabitants," ANA-MPA quoted him as saying.

"... What's the meaning behind this violation of Greek sovereignty? These types of actions do not change the (legal) status in the Aegean, you can be certain of that. They (overflights) may have become routine for Turkey, but do not believe they are routine for Greece. Every such action is a reminder to Greeks that Turkey has not decided to establish different relations with Greece," Papandreou emphasized.

"The time will come to have an open and substantive discussion between us over Turkey (EU's) candidacy. My vision has always been a Cyprus that will serve as a model for the peaceful and democratic cohabitation of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Christians and Muslims. Of course, the Cyprus issue never had as its basis religious dimensions. However, there should be no illusions. The international community will not legalize an invasion. Turkey's European course will not be completed as long as the occupation (of one-third of Cyprus by Turkey) continues. A new effort is needed," he said, while adding that Cyprus President Demetris Christofias is the leader that can produce a solution on the part of the Greek Cypriots,” the Greek Prime Minister stated.