We were butchered by the same barbarians

Mr Papoulias met today with his Armenian counterpart, President Serge Sarkisian, in Athens.

With a new direct reference to the role of Turkey in the history of both countries, Mr Papoulias said "we were butchered by the same barbarians" and hoped Ankara will actually take the step towards forging new and better relations with both countries.

Mr. Papoulias also mentioned that if Greece did not have the burden of the weapon purchases of the past, it wouldn't need the IMF, and that Greece's military equipment expenditure is the highest and this is unfair for a peaceful people.

When refering to Turkey, Mr. Sarkisian spoke of "diffuclt neighbours that cause difficult problems", who continue "to have the position of the mighty and claim everything very fast". He underlined that times have changed and Armenia has its own vision and dream. He finished by saying that Armenia is always grateful for the friendship Greece has given, that many Armenians live in Greece and that both countries have suffered in common. He also pinpointed that Turkey's entrance in the EU should hinge upon its recognition of the Armenian genocide and the pursuit of harmonious relations with its neighbours.