Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] 'Improved state of trust' in Greek-Turkish relations, Kotzias tells ANA-MPA

[01] 'Improved state of trust' in Greek-Turkish relations, Kotzias tells ANA-MPA

Kotzias noted that relations between the two countries "have a series of problems that we must resolve," adding that this solution must be based on international law and on trust between the two people and their respective services, but primarily between the two prime ministers and foreign ministers.

Regarding the refugee crisis and Ankara's stance on this issue, Kotzias pointed out that hundreds of thousands of refugees were entering Turkey and that the international community must provide support.

"...first there must be financial support for Jordan and Lebanon, so that refugees don't leave the refugee camps and stay close to their homes, and secondly the agreements between the EU and Turkey must be implemented, such as the international agreements on readmission between Greece and Turkey, or Turkey and Pakistan," he said.

Asked about the tension between Russia and Turkey, Kotzias noted that the war in Syria had brought many countries and groups into conflict, including different Islamic groups and countries.

"As regards the latest incidents between Turkey and Russia, you know our country always wants to operate in a way that calms things down, in a correct and just way, and implements the principles of international law. From this standpoint, we are always open to contributing to a discussion between the more divergent opinions in this region."

On the abolition of the guarantees and guarantor powers in Cyprus, the minister noted that Greece said they should be abolished "but I also said that Greece has no intention of remaining in such a regime - and it will leave - which is entirely new."

He noted that the issue was now being discussed by the Americans, while the British have said that they will not seek guarantor status if Greece and Turkey reach agreement. He noted that China described the guarantor regime as "anachronistic" and Russia's UN representative had called it a "relic of colonialism" that should be abolished.

"I think an idea of Greek diplomacy is for the first time progressing in the best way and we are in working and collaborating closely with the Cyprus government," he said.

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