The imagination of the public in Turkey has certainly been excited by this process. I know that the same thing is happening in Greece. Of course we are climbing a mountain in trying to overcome these deep historical differences, and we are still on the lower and easier slopes. The most difficult issues which have divided us in the past remain unresolved. Finding solutions to them will not be easy and it may not be comfortable.
Compromises never are entirely comfortable.
But as our Foreign Minister Mr Ismail Cem remarked recently, we have been able to come so far in six months. We can surely do much more. This will be especially true if public opinion remains firmly behind the rapprochement process. I am delighted that in Athens, the doves seem to enjoy more support than some of the old hawks who have spoken out against Mr Papandreou. It is also important that economic and other links between our countries revive and prosper.