The European Union has a responsibility to help break down the last Berlin Wall dividing a European capital, through its institutional and legal mechanisms. If the EU intends to make a definitive contribution to international relations in the 21st century, Cyprus presents the ultimate challenge. Our objective is to establish a framework of principles and rules, of justice and democracy, which will take effect throughout the region. If Turkey will commit to these values, and Europe is determined to uphold them, Greece will prove to be Turkey s strongest ally at the EU negotiating table. NATO, Europe, and the Middle East peace process will be strengthened as a result.
Rapprochement is a long and difficult process.
But Greece is committed to tackling a process that will bring long-term benefits, not only to Greece and Turkey, but to the whole of Europe. A high proportion of our budget is currently spent on defence, at the expense of education, health, and other social policies. The ability to channel resources into these areas would hare positive developments for stability throughout SE Europe. The gates to heaven have not opened - but a new path, leading to new prospects, surely has. Since I became Foreign Minister of Greece a year ago, I have consistently pursued a foreign policy of regional co-operation, based on mutual understanding and mutual interests.