Widening cooperation between Greece and the United States in the sectors of research, technology and defense industries has been agreed in talks between Deputy Defense Minister Vassilis Michaloliakos and the US Defense and Technical Cooperation Committee in the framework of the Hellenic American High Level Advisory Committee's 11th session, due to come to a close in Washington on Thursday. 

  The strong desire existing on both sides to further strengthen Greek-American relations was also confirmed in his meeting with US Assistant Defense Secretary Mira Ricardel. 

  Addressing the Hellenic American Institute in Washington, the deputy defense minister referred to the stabilizing role played by Greece in southeastern Europe, to Greek-Turkish relations, developments on the issue of Cyprus and the Athens Olympic Games. 

  Commenting on Turkey in particular, Michaloliakos expressed the hope that its ''irrational and historically inaccurate demands which create tension in the region will come to an end'' and reiterated that the new government has good intentions and is open to a sincere dialogue with the neighboring country. 

  As regards the Cyprus issue, he pointed out that the negative result in the April 24 referendum by the Greek Cypriots does not mean ''no'' to reunification but to the specific plan. He also assessed that the Annan plan was not the last opportunity for the island's reunification.
  Michaloliakos also expressed confidence that Greece will organize the best and safest Olympic Games.

Source: Athens News Agency

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