May 26, 2006May 26, 2006
Joint statement by ODP and SYNASPISMOS
regarding the serious incident over the Aegean on 23 May 2006The serious incident over the Aegean on 23 May 2006, which involved the clash of two F-16 fighter planes, has caused deep anxiety to the peoples of both our countries. Fortunately, an escalation has been averted. But the danger remains for similar incidents to occur in the future, with unforeseeable consequences, if the Greek-Turkish problems are not solved permanently.
Reiterating the recent joint statement in Athens, of SYN President Alecos Alavanos and ODP President Hayri Kozanoglou, on the occasion of the 4th European Social Forum, we declare that peace is the only choice and underline the need for these problems to be dealt with peacefully, through dialogue, on the basis of international law.
We cannot reconcile ourselves with the stark reality that Greece and Turkey are among the first countries in the world in arms imports and military spending, wasting huge resources while both countries are facing acute social and economic problems. The only beneficiaries from this are the USA,NATO and the military industries.
We strongly oppose militarism and chauvinism and the cultivation of nationalist hatred between our two peoples.
We support the proposal for the mutual reduction of arms and military budgets of Greece and Turkey and we will jointly campaign for it, so that the broadest possible movement can develop in our societies. The adoption of this proposal will not only free huge resources for the economic and social development of both countries but will also promote mutual confidence and provide a stable foundation for real peace instead of the “no-war” situation we are in today.
For the above aims, “peoples diplomacy” can play a decisive role by building multiple peace bridges across the Aegean.
Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP) Turkey
Coalition of the Left of Movements and Ecology (SYNASPISMOS) - Greece