Rightly or wrongly, Turks currently feel aggrieved at their treatment by the the EU. In view of two impending critical elections in 2007, one for the presidency and one for parliament, it is unrealistic to expect a great deal from Ankara's leaders. Therefore, Greece has to bear a higher share of the burden in improving relations. With its special relationship with Cyprus, Athens is uniquely placed to help heal relations and act as an intermediary between Turkey and the EU. Greece must not be seen by Turks as spearheading the opposition to Ankara.
Athens can make sure that more chapters in the EU-Turkish negotiations do not strike the current impasse over opening Turkish ports to Greek Cypriots. Athens can also make sure that tempers do not flare by acting as a brake on Cyprus' more extreme demands. Greek Prime Minister Karamanlis has been timid of late in his relations with Ankara; he and his Foreign Minister Bakoyannis need to show that this relationship is still of critical importance to Greece.
In what promises to be a very contentious election year, the Turkish government has to maintain the high ground. It must stand by its courageous policies, which have reversed years of Turkish Cypriot intransigence. Turkey must not succumb to rage over intemperate remarks or undermine its relationship with Greece. The Turkish chief of staff's visit to Athens last month and the resulting agreement over unarmed military flights over the Aegean are welcome steps designed to reduce tensions in the Aegean.
Henri J. Barkey is the Bernard L. and Bertha F. Cohen Professor in International Relations and International Relations Department Chair at Lehigh University. He served as a member of the U.S. State Department Policy Planning Staff (1998-2000) working primarily on issues related to the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean and intelligence.
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