VOULIAGMENI, Greece — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday promised closer cooperation with EU neighbor Greece to fight illegal immigration into Europe in exchange for Greek assistance to help relax visa rules for Turks.
Erdogan is visiting Greece for the second time in five months, as the two countries seek to boost trade and sideline their traditional rivalry.
“On (immigration) we will start cooperation so that we can deal with this problem … it is a common problem,” Erdogan said after a two-hour meeting with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on the fringes of a Mediterranean climate change conference near Athens.
Greece is the European Union’s busiest transit point for illegal immigration and has faced a spike in recent months in clandestine traffic across its 125-mile land border with Turkey.
Greek officials have long accused authorities in Turkey of failing to make a determined effort to stop immigrants sneaking into Greece and of ignoring an agreement to accept the return of detained migrants.
Papandreou said Greece and Turkey had agreed to “reactivate” that agreement.
“We decided on a common initiative toward the EU … to make our cooperation more systematic and much more effective in dealing with this problem,” he said.
“At the same time, we discussed the very important issue of liberalizing the visa process for Turkish citizens entering the European Union.”
NATO allies Greece and Turkey have improved ties over the past decade but remain at odds over war-divided Cyprus and boundaries in the Aegean Sea. The disputes have hindered Turkey’s bid to join the European Union.
Papandreou said the two leaders had discussed the course of efforts to resolve those disputes “in a very positive atmosphere.”
And Erdogan described as “very significant” a recent decision by his government to grant Turkish citizenship to 12 senior clerics at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, the center of Orthodox Christianity around the world.
Clerics must have Turkish citizenship to be able to succeed the current Ecumenical Patriarch, 70-year-old Bartholomew I.
On Thursday, NATO’s secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on a visit to Athens that Greece and Turkey were showing a greater willingness to cooperate.
“I appreciate very much the close contact, as I see it, that we are now witnessing between Ankara and Athens,” the NATO chief said.
“I think Prime Minister Erdogan’s visit to Athens … is yet another testament to the improvement of relations, and we appreciate that very much.”
Leaders and representatives from 16 Mediterranean countries are attending the meeting at the seaside resort of Vouliagmeni, south of Athens, also joined by environmental campaigners and representatives of the World Bank and European Investment.
Papandreou said Mediterranean countries were “particularly vulnerable” to global warming — facing more frequent droughts, heatwaves and forest fires — and said he was encouraged by Erdogan’s presence at the conference.
“This is proof that two neighbors can place their differences to one side to face common threats,” he said, in his opening remarks earlier Friday.
The conference ends Saturday.
via Greece, Turkey Vow to Tackle Illegal Immigration – FoxNews.com.
Deep-rooted Aegean border problems will be re-examined Friday by the Turkish and Greek prime ministers, who are set to meet in Athens on the sidelines of an international climate summit.
According to diplomats, however, there is no expectation of an instant breakthrough in resolving such problems even though Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent statements had fueled hopes to this effect.
“We do not want [military] flights over the [Aegean] islands,” Erdoğan said in an interview with the Greek daily Kathimerini on Wednesday, asking that a compromise be reached through mutual understanding and effectively setting forth a series of proposals that could reduce tensions.
By means of a compromise, Erdoğan suggested that NATO be invited to monitor how the two countries’ jets use the airspace over the Aegean since both neighbors are members of the alliance.
Meanwhile, Erdoğan’s belief in the need to foster more civilian involvement in attempts to prepare sufficient groundwork for a solution to the bilateral problems could be counted as his second proposal.
Another suggestion came from Erdoğan’s chief foreign policy advisor, İbrahim Kalın, who said at a conference in Athens that Turkey could annul its declaration of “casus belli” if Greece withdrew possible plans to expand its territorial waters to 12 miles.
The suggestion was followed by calls from Turkey to eliminate all problems between the two countries in the Aegean so that both could benefit from tourism in the region.
Apart from tourism, the two countries could also launch joint drilling efforts in the Aegean to explore potential hydrocarbon reserves.
What makes these ideas more meaningful is that Turkey has removed Greece from its threat list, the National Security Policy Paper – widely known as the “red book.”
“We should go over these issues step-by-step, without making them a matter of daily political consumption,” a senior diplomat told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review on Thursday.
“It should be noted Turkey seriously and sincerely wants to engage in a process of resolving current problems,” said the diplomat. However, there have been no concrete responses from Greek authorities on the suggestions made by their Turkish counterparts.
Commentators from both sides have observed positive attitudes in both capitals about moving forward and finding a way to solve disputes. One form of evidence is that the exploratory talks between the two countries’ foreign ministries launched in the early 2000s have produced some progress in diplomats being able to introduce a road map for greater dialogue.
Turkey and Greece disagree over territorial water borders, airspace and the sovereignty of some islets in the Aegean. Greece believes there are no gray areas regarding the sovereignty of some congested islets in the Aegean. According to diplomats, the sovereignty issue can only be solved through the European Court of Justice while other disputes could potentially be solved through bilateral mechanisms.
However, it is not very likely the leaders will finalize any solution in the near future as diplomats believe “there are so many other things to do.”
As tensions with Turkey grow, Israel bolsters ties with neighboring Greece. Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas says friendship between two nations can only get stronger
Itamar Eichner
The relationship between Israel and Greece at this time can be described as a love affair. After a long period of cool relations, accompanied by harsh criticism of Israel, a new era has begun under the leadership of Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou. The reason for the rapprochement, and for the warm Israeli ties with Cyprus as well, has to do with the grave crisis in Israel-Turkey ties – with Ankara being a longtime rival of the two island states.
The love affair pertains to almost every aspect. Israeli tourists who abandoned Turkish resorts discovered Greece and saved the locals from the damages of the grave economic crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli and Greek gunships engaged in a joint maneuver last week, possibly as a hint to Turkish PM Erdogan, who put an end to such Israeli-Turkish cooperation. On another front, talks are underway on a future gas pipelines from Israel to Europe that would pass through Greece.
A multitude of ventures. Droutsas and Lieberman (Photo: AP)
In recent weeks, Greek media outlets have reported at length about the dramatic improvement in ties between the two countries. A Greek military source said that Israel is mostly interested in aviation cooperation, while the Greeks expected to receive defense technologies and embark on joint projects to develop defense systems.
In August, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Greece as PM Papandreou’s guest, and last week a senior Greek delegation visited Israel in order to identify areas for cooperation. In an unusual move, delegation members met with PM Netanyahu, as well as other senior officials.
In another development highlighting the current idyll, Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas landed in Israel Sunday for a two-day visit. Among other things, he was expected to sign a new aviation cooperation agreement with his counterpart, Avigdor Lieberman.
Strategic interests
Ties between the two nations were never cold and have been conflict-free, despite their long history, Droutsas told Yedioth Ahronoth in a special interview, adding that the current Greek government intends to bolster the renewed tied further.
When asked if Turkey should be concerned, Droutsas said that the cooperation between Jerusalem and Athens would never go against any other nation. On the contrary, he said, “One of the main parameters here is to stabilize the entire region. The Middle East is of vital interest for Greece.” Athens, he added, wishes to cultivate peaceful and neighborly relations in the region, which could only benefit its prosperity.
Israel and Greece share political, economic, cultural and defense ties, he continued, and also to create strategic ties which would span all areas equally. “One thing is very clear – Israel is a pioneering nation when it comes to high-tech and we would be thrilled if such cooperation proved fruitful.”
As for the rumored Israeli-Greek gas line, Droutsas said that energy, in any form, is of great significance to Greece and Europe, and naturally – for Israel as well. Nevertheless, he qualified, it is still too early to discuss specific plans.
The Greek economy has been slowly recovering from one of the worst recessions in its history, and the gradual process – and underlying potential – has not escaped the attention of Israeli investors, who are eying Greek investments. According to Droutsas, the biggest potential currently lies in the tourism and renewable energy industries and the government in doing its best to attract foreign investors.
The deepening crisis between Israel and Turkey had a resounding effect on the Turkish tourism industry, as tension between the two leading Israelis to practically abandon their once-favorite vacation destination, in favor of nearby Greece.
“There is a very impressive 60% growth in tourism from Israel. If in 2009 155,000 Israelis visited us, in 2010, so far, we’ve had over 250,000. We are delighted and flattered that Israelis prefer Greece now, and we hope it will not be a fleeting phenomenon, but one that keeps growing,” Droutsas said.
Greece’s beauty, he added, is one that takes a lifetime to experience. “Israelis should know that we welcome them. We want to cultivate these ties, because a touristic link is also a cultural one between our people,” he said.
‘We understand Israel’s concerns’
But what about Turkey’s new affinity to Iran? According to the Greek FM, while naturally, every nation is free to prioritize policies as it sees fit, Greece’s foreign policy focuses on two avenues: pursuing a set of values and principles which promote stability, and participating in formulating European Union policies, in a way which would bolster the EU’s international standing and position. “Turkey’s position on Iran does not coincide with that of the EU,” Droutsas said – a point that cannot be taken lightly considering that Ankara wants to become a member nation.
Greece, he added, supports the EU’s position that every peaceful way to resolve the Iranian problem should be exhausted. “We are truly concerned by the fact that no such progress has been made. Things today are perilous.”
When asked where Athens stands on the issue of Gaza-bound flotillas – especially in view of recent report that it had prevented such sails from leaving its shores, Droutsas treads carefully: “Greece understands Israel’s legitimate security concerns perfectly. Simultaneously, we understand the humanitarian problems in Gaza. Israel’s decision on mitigations was a step in the right direction, but the difficult situation in Gaza does not contribute to the peace process.”
Gaza’s frustration, he continued, “Pushed parts of the Palestinian people to the extreme and fuels the fires of radical groups, which in turn has various implications on Israel’s security. The situation has prompted Greece and Cyprus to promote an initiative which may ease the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.”
Greek public opinion of Israel, however, is less forgiving, but Droutsas believes that can be changed.
“Strengthening the ties between our countries reflects a sentiment shared by both nations…the harsh humanitarian situation in Gaza and the perpetuation of the Palestinian problem harm Israel’s international image, not just its image in Greece.
“That is why I feel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to pursue peace talks with Mahmou Abbas is so important. Both leaders deserve our support. They must develop mutual trust that would enable them to resolve the situation.”
Droutsas also believes that the differences between Israelis and Greeks are minute.
“We have so much in common, in all aspects of life,” he said. To illustrate, he points out that he has no idea how it is that the many successful Greek-style Israeli singers, such as iconic singer Yehuda Poliker, have yet to become mega-stars in Greece.
“I wish my visit had started on a Friday – I missed the chance to see Poliker at the Zapa Club in Tel Aviv,” he said.
Bagıs said he believed the Greek government would take the necessary steps to meet the demands of the Turkish population there.
Sunday, 17 October 2010 16:20
Chief Negotiator for Turkey’s accession talks with the EU, State Minister Egemen Bagis, said Turkey and Greece could overcome the unresolved problems between them by adopting new approaches and discourses.
In an exclusive interview with Greek newspaper Athens Tipos tis Kiriakis published Sunday, Bagis made comments on Turkish-Greek relations and the minorities issue.
Bagis said everyone grasped that the deadlock in certain unresolved issues between the two countries favoured no one, noting that it was time to move ahead and bring new approaches and discourses in long standing issues to the benefit of both countries.
Bagis pointed out that for the first time since the time of Ataturk and Venezilos, governments of both countries reached out to each other with such vigour.
“We may not have made the desired progress yet, but we can sincerely say that our governments and peoples share the same approach in overcoming unresolved issues,” said Bagis.
He said the signing of 22 agreements and the establishment of the High Level cooperation Council between the two countries, was a milestone in Turkish-Greek relations. He said significant progress have been recorded in the commercial relations between the two countries, adding that the new target was boosting the trade volume from $2.7 billion to $5 billion.
Stressing that issues of Greek and Turkish minorities in the two countries were in fact a matter of human rights, Bagis said these should be addressed by the governments of the two countries on the basis of good will. Referring to the principal agreement between Turkish authorities and the Fener Greek Patriarchate to turn the disputed orphanage in Buyukada to an environmental institute, Bagis said this was just one of the major steps taken by the Turkish government about the Greek minority in Turkey.
He said the Heybeliada Seminary issue was Turkey’s internal affair. He said Turkey’s Greek Orthodox citizens had the right to practice their religions, expressing his confidence that Turkey would find a solution to this issue from an human rights perspective. He pointed out that the problems of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace was also a matter of human rights adding that he believed the Greek government would take the necessary steps to meet the demands of the Turkish population there.
According to Minister of Industry and Trade Nihat Ergün, Turkey wants to boost the already expanding Turkish-Greek trade volume to $5 billion.
“However, to reach this goal visa requirements for Turkish businessmen and quota limitations in place for Turkish semitrailers should be abolished,” he added.Ergün, speaking to Sunday’s Zaman, pointed out that Greece is also ready to take positive steps concerning measures needed for increasing border and coastal trade. “I believe that trade volume between the two neighboring countries will even exceed $5 billion. At this point, we should primarily take steps that will serve to increase coastal and border trade activities. The total investment of Greeks firms that operate in Turkey, which are about 500 in number, exceeds $6 billion. However, the total amount of Turkish investments in Greece is about $30 million. Therefore, mutual investment, especially Turkish investment in Greece, should increase further. To achieve this, barriers should be removed. In particular, the obligation to obtain a visa to visit Greece should be unnecessary for Turkish businessmen. How can they export their products if they are not granted the privilege of visiting Greece without a visa? Doesn’t the continuation of such requirements for businessmen pose a barrier to free trade?” he asked.
Ergün drew attention to the fact a limit of 20,000 was placed on the number of Turkish semitrailers allowed to cross the Turkish-Greek border and asked that the number of such semitrailers heading for Greece be increased to 25,000, which would be economically beneficial, and stressed that the practice of limiting the amount of gasoline in fuel tanks of such vehicles, which have a maximum capacity of 550 liters but are only allowed to have 200 liters, should end. He added that getting rid of such limitations will increase Turkey’s trade volume.
Meanwhile, a series of senior level meetings was organized to expand the trade volume between the two countries. The first meeting of the Turkish-Greek Regional Business Forum was held in Edirne last year. The second meeting will be held in Greece, while its date is yet to be decided. According to a report from the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), Turkey is planning to organize a business council meeting with Greece in the second half of 2011 in İstanbul.
Turkish authorities mentioned that Greece is not in favor of abolishing the limitations for the number of Turkish semitrailers crossing the Turkish-Greek border and the amount of gasoline allowed in fuel tanks in these trucks. In response to Greece’s attitude, Turkish authorities pointed out that Turkey is a member of the customs union in line with the related decision of the Association Council and stressed that removing the quotas would not mean going against EU standards. They enlightened the reporters from Sunday’s Zaman about this issue of lifting the quota and pointed out that a far greater number of Turkish semitrailers cross the Turkish-Greek border than do Greek semitrailers: “Annually, 100-200 Greek semitrailers cross the Turkish-Greek border, while the figure is 20,000-25,000 for Turkish semitrailers. Due to Turkey’s numerical supremacy, Greece’s opposition to any expansion of the quota continues,” they said.
Greek government spokesman George Petalotis, speaking at the first business forum, stressed how such get-togethers are vital in strengthening the relationship between the two countries and explained that the scope of this relationship should not be limited just to diplomatic visits.
Turkish authorities mentioned that agreeing on organizing business forums between Turkey and Greece at short intervals signifies that the boundaries of the relationship between the two countries will not only be drawn through diplomacy. They also explained that the Greek side adopted a positive and constructive attitude in engaging in cooperative activities aimed at improving trade and mutual relations through business forums. DEİK officials evaluated the progress made as well as the current position and expressed how they are determined to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries.
According to Jerusalem Post ,The United Nation’s refugee agency has slammed Greek authorities over a severe deterioration in conditions at detention facilities for illegal migrants at the Greek-Turkish border.
The last warning from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which came last Friday, indicates that popular trafficking routes, Greek islands in the Aegean Sea have changed. The report states that new routes are towards the Greece-Turkey land border which is 200 km (125-mile) long.
The agency reported that the migrants detained in the border zone are jam packed into cells with “dire hygiene conditions.”
