Turkey warms to Greek government

ANKARA, Turkey, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The Turkish government approached its Greek counterparts to discuss forming a strategic cooperation council to improve bilateral relations.

The European Union is scheduled to consider Turkey's bid to join the bloc during a December summit.

Ankara has moved on a series of concessions meant to meet the policy requirements to join Europe but faces obstacles on various provisions over the island of Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided into a Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-occupied north since 1974. Ankara does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member. Its ships and planes are banned from Turkish ports and airports.

Ankara said it was considering including transportation, energy and tourism as fields where the two countries could improve their relations, the leading English-language daily Today's Zaman reports.

The Turkish government in a measure relayed to Athens points to bilateral agreements Ankara has established with other governments in the region as a possible starting point for cooperation.

The report says Ankara views Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou as a regional partner as he pushed for improved relations during his tenure as foreign minister from 1999 to 2004.

Papandreou assumed office Oct. 6.