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ATHENS POINTS TO TURKISH DM'S COMMENTS
ANA
Nov 12 2008
Greece
Î' foreign ministry spokesman on Wednesday underlined that "the
statements made by the Turkish defense minister are unfortunate, to
say the least," in reference to eyebrow-raising comments reportedly
expressed by minister Mehmet Vecdi Gonul, namely, that the eradication
of Greek and Armenian communities in Turkey was imperative in the
process of the establishment of a modern Turkish nation-state.
"Such statements are characterised by an unacceptable and dangerous
reasoning that should have been left back in the dark past, where it
belongs," he added, stressing that clarifications made "a posteriori"
are not enough to change the initial negative impressions and the
emotions they caused."
On whether he shares the optimism expressed by UN special envoy for
Cyprus Alexander Downer, who spoke of a "steady progress" in the course
of the negotiations, Koumoutsakos responded that the essence of the
negotiations is what counts and what will determine the outcome of
the process.
"Based on the developments so far, it is proved that the Greek
Cypriot side and Republic of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias
have contributed in a substantive manner toward finding a solution
... we are expecting tangible indications of a constructive stance
on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side."
--Boundary_(ID_73t1A1Oq68ZMUefQ/yAz4Q )--
ANA
Nov 12 2008
Greece
Î' foreign ministry spokesman on Wednesday underlined that "the
statements made by the Turkish defense minister are unfortunate, to
say the least," in reference to eyebrow-raising comments reportedly
expressed by minister Mehmet Vecdi Gonul, namely, that the eradication
of Greek and Armenian communities in Turkey was imperative in the
process of the establishment of a modern Turkish nation-state.
"Such statements are characterised by an unacceptable and dangerous
reasoning that should have been left back in the dark past, where it
belongs," he added, stressing that clarifications made "a posteriori"
are not enough to change the initial negative impressions and the
emotions they caused."
On whether he shares the optimism expressed by UN special envoy for
Cyprus Alexander Downer, who spoke of a "steady progress" in the course
of the negotiations, Koumoutsakos responded that the essence of the
negotiations is what counts and what will determine the outcome of
the process.
"Based on the developments so far, it is proved that the Greek
Cypriot side and Republic of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias
have contributed in a substantive manner toward finding a solution
... we are expecting tangible indications of a constructive stance
on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side."
--Boundary_(ID_73t1A1Oq68ZMUefQ/yAz4Q )--