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Greek President: Turkey EU Entry Requires Cyprus Recognition - 2004-10-10


Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos has warned that Turkey's entry into the European Union will require Ankara's official recognition of the Greek Cypriot-led government on Cyprus.

Mr. Stephanopoulos issued the warning Sunday while acknowledging that relations between his country and its traditional rival, Turkey, have improved in recent years.

He promised Greece will help Turkey in gaining EU membership if Turkey helps resolve differences on Cyprus.

Leaders of the 25 EU countries are due to decide at a December summit whether to formally open EU membership talks with Turkey.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops landed on the island in 1974 after a Greece-backed coup in Nicosia. The Greek-led Cypriot government in the south of the island is recognized by all members of the global community except Turkey, which recognizes a government run by leaders of the Turkish community in the north.

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