Opinion | Editorials
Receive Greeks bearing gifts
Greece and Turkey ties are likely to get a fillip during Karamanlis's visit.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:04 January 25, 2008
The animosity that has persisted between Greece and Turkey has been well documented over the years. Hopefully, though, with the visit of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to his Turkish counterpart, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a new chapter in the history of their relations will be embraced.
The visit of Karamanlis to Ankara is the first in almost 50 years by a Greek leader and helps underline the support Greece gave Turkey four years ago for its bid to enter the European Union (EU) when some members opposed the entry of Turkey into the EU as demonstrated by the various obstacles put in Turkey's way before full membership will be considered.
Besides improving relations between the two countries, Erdogan and Karamanlis also have the sensitive issue of the divided island of Cyprus to address. That this particular dispute should have lasted so long without resolution makes a mockery of diplomacy.
However, there could be a brighter future, not least when Turkey becomes a member of the EU, and perhaps Northern Cyprus, which is controlled by Ankara, will be integrated and reflect a different dimension to resolving the issue. In the 21st century, it makes no sense to have a grouping of nations divided over borders.
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