Greece Will Give Schengen Visa To Our Lorry Drivers At Border Gates

PIRAEUS - Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim has said that Greece would give Schengen visa to Turkish lorry drivers at border gates.
Yildirim visited representatives of Turkish maritime sector who are currently in Piraeus, Greece to attend Posidonia 2004 Fair.
Informing them on his meeting with Greek Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis, Yildirim said, ''we have made a new decision with Greece. This country will give Schengen via to our Turkish lorry drivers at border gates. It can be possible for one-day trip to Greek islands.''
Noting that they had also decided to open a new motorway corridor between Istanbul and Thessaloniki, Yildirim said, ''we reached an agreement in principle to transform the roads in both Turkish and Greek sides into motorway by making use of EU funds. For this project, Greece will launch necessary initiatives at the EU.''
Asked whether Greek ships would carry passengers in Turkish territorial waters, Yildirim said, ''under the laws, only Turkish-flagged ships carry passengers in Turkish territorial waters. However, in line with the law on second ship register, a company which is set up in Turkey can make transportation in Turkey even if it is one hundred percent foreign capital. There is no obstacle in front of transportation through joint venture with Greeks unless it is set up in Turkey and has second register with Turkish flag.''
(MS) 09.06.2004