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Welcoming his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem to Athens, the Greek Foreign Minister expressed the hope that Turkey's road towards joining the European Union, which sets new guidelines in relations between Greece and Turkey, will create new conditions for the settlement of the Cyprus question and the peaceful coexistence between two countries.

"Today a new framework exists which places both our countries in the big European family. This family is based on principles and values without making religious or cultural discriminations. The respect for these principles consolidates peaceful relations, without the use of force, as well as the respect of international rules, UN decisions and democratic institutions", he said.

"This framework creates new conditions for the peaceful coexistence of our two countries and for a settlement of the Cyprus problem", he added.

The Greek Foreign Minister pointed out that as an honest dialogue between the two countries continues, each side will be able to understand the other's concerns.

"I am certain that as our relations are developing you will be able to understand the genuine pain Greeks feel for Cypriot Hellenism" he said, and assured that "we will also listen to the needs of the ordinary Turkish Cypriot for security, prosperity and protection of their own culture".

Mr Papandreou said that, despite their substantially different views on the Cyprus problem, he hoped that rapprochement would contribute towards the settlement of this problem and welcomed the proximity talks, which are now taking place in Geneva.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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