Athens, 11/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - Greek Defence Minister Mr Tzohatzopoulos challenged the argument put forward by Turkish Foreign Minister Mr Cem regarding the link between the preparations for Turkey's accession to the EU and a solution to the Cypriot problem (see, for Mr Cem's position, EUROPE of 9 September, p.8). According to the Greek Minister, speaking at the EU Summit last December in Helsinki, Turkey has not only pledged to accept the European values at the basis of the Union, but also to agree on normalising its relations with Cyprus and Greece. Furthermore, Cyprus' accession to the EU must come about even if the island remains divided, recalled the Minister.