The foreign ministry's spokesman on Tuesday was again queried by reporters on British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's scheduled contacts here Thursday, and especially if the visit comprises a new British initiative for the Cyprus issue.

"Mr. Straw is coming to Athens as part of a working visit. This visit is not part of any special mission or initiative for the Cyprus issue, as one can clearly ascertain from the agenda of the talks, which will deal with bilateral issues, developments and prospects in the European Union, developments in SE Europe, the Cyprus issue and issues affecting the UN Security Council, where Greece participates," spokesman George Koumoutsakos said.

On his part, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos noted that "what is of importance is for a solution to the Cyprus issue to be found, as defined by the prime minister and the president of Cyprus, and whatever actions should be substantive actions".

The spokesman was referring to the latest Turkish initiative, one involving the submission of a proposal for the Cyprus issue.

"Turkey may have every reason to escape from the position it finds itself (after the recent EU decisions). However, if it is searching for ways to avoid meeting its commitments, then we'll refer to moves aimed at making only impressions, given the fact that Turkey is obliged to meet the commitments it has vis-à-vis the EU," Roussopoulos said in answer to a question over Ankara's motives.

Source: Athens News Agency

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