Alternate Foreign Minister of Greece says Greek government wants cooperation with Turkey

Speaking to reporters in New York, Droutsas said that the new government in Greece would approach issues with a very "open vision", adding that the government was exerting efforts to get closer with Turkey and make cooperation.

Noting that Greece wanted to see Turkey as a stable and democratic neighbor, Droutsas said that Greece supported Turkey's EU membership.

Droutsas said that Greece considered continental shelf issue in Aegean Sea as the only problem between Turkey and Greece, adding that this problem should not continue forever.

Regarding Cyprus talks, Droutsas said that Cyprus problem was the top agenda item of Greek foreign policy, adding that they attached great importance to this issue.

Droutsas said that Greece extended full support to Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias' meetings with President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

He said that the support of international community was necessary in this issue.

Solution of Cyprus problem should be the solution of Cypriots, said Droutsas, and added that Turkish and Greek Cypriot societies should be given opportunity to hold their own negotiations without the foreign intervention and pressure.

/World Bulletin/