Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-10-26

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Athens mayor on Greek foreign policy

[01] Athens mayor on Greek foreign policy

Bakoyannis noted that the two parties' strategic choices are the same, only tactical moves seem to differ, citing the support of both Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and former PASOK Prime Minister Costas Simitis for Turkey's EU accession.

The Athens mayor said that Greece has strongly supported Turkey's EU candidacy over recent years, but expressed regret that Ankara has failed to change its provocative behaviour in the Aegean and its stance towards the Cyprus issue.

She also noted that Turkey's government continues to create problems for the Greek community in Istanbul and violates the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Within this context, Bakoyannis said, Athens demands that Turkey make a substantial about-face on these issues as accession negotiations with the EU progress.

Referring to the dispute over the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name, Bakoyannis said that while others may view the Greek position as 'irrational', Greece does not have any territorial claims towards FYROM.

She said that FYROM must add something to its name that will distinguish it from Greek Macedonia, adding that Greece is ready for such a compromise.

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