FOREIGN SECRETARY:
I have had a very useful discussion with my good friend, George Papandreou, in which we have explored the common approach of our two countries to many of the issues facing the European Union.

First of all, we both share a common wish to see Cyprus become a full member of the European Union. Britain has been supportive of Cyprus' application to become a member of the European Union, and that is rightly so since many Greek-Cypriots have made their home in Britain and specifically in London. We do not believe that the resolution of the division of the island should be a condition of Cyprus' application for membership. Cyprus is entitled to be considered on its merits and its merits are strong. The recent report of the Commission demonstrates that Cyprus has made more progress than most of the other candidates in terms of meeting the legislation of the European Union and preparing for membership.

However, at the same time it would certainly be desirable for Cyprus itself, as well as for Europe, if we can resolve the tragic division of the island into two sectors. That is why Britain was at the front of the initiative in the G8 to press the United Nations to revive the talks on the future of the island and we will wish to do everything we can to try and make sure that that initiative reaches a successful conclusion.

We have also had a useful discussion on the preparation for Helsinki and what conclusions may come out of Helsinki. Speaking for Britain, we believe that it would be right to recognise Turkey as a candidate for membership of the European Union, because we should be supporting and encouraging those progressive forces within Turkey who look to Europe for their orientation. They need the encouragement of Europe if they are to succeed in making the changes in human rights in Turkey that are necessary and which would be wished by all friends of Turkey. However, a decision to recognise Turkey as a candidate for membership of the European Union is by no means the final decision in a process, it would only be the first decision in a long path. It would not be possible to make progress down that path in terms of negotiations for membership until Turkey meets the Copenhagen criteria on human rights, democracy, and recognition of minority rights.

We also discussed how together we might take forward the European security initiative. Both our countries have a common interest in making sure that Europe can respond to crises within Europe and are both committed to making that a success.

GEORGE PAPANDREOU:
We discussed some very important issues, certainly important for Europe, certainly important for Greece. To begin also on Cyprus. As a matter of fact the whole process of accession of Cyprus to the European Union is seen by us as a process which is very much there to help not only Cyprus becoming a member, but also to help in finding a solution, to help the negotiations between the two communities. We certainly hope that sooner or later the negotiations will be able to bring a solution to Cyprus, and we would say sooner rather than later. We hope there will be substantial talks as soon as possible. Therefore our objective is to see a Cyprus in the European Union which has solved this political problem. But I am very glad to say that we also share the opinion that this is not a pre-requisite if in fact down the line we don't have a solution.

On the issue of Turkish candidacy, I was able to lay out our feelings about how this candidacy should be handled. Greece believes that if there is to be a candidacy it should not be a 'virtual candidacy', but a true candidacy, that is one which will truly engage Turkey in a way which will both support but also monitor its process, the road to the European Union. I do believe that we have an opportunity before us, a new climate has developed between our two countries, I would say particularly between our two peoples. We want to see this climate move into practical results in both our bilateral relations and of course on the Cyprus problem, and this would certainly help the European orientation of Turkey.