The Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos referring to the passing away of the prominent Turkish journalist Mehmet Ali Birand, made the following statement:
“I express my sorrow at the death of the prominent journalist Mehmet Ali Birand.
I had the chance to meet him at the time I practiced journalism and the honour to develop a friendship with him.
At the discussions we had, we disagreed in many issues – such as the time of the Annan Plan – or agreed in various others.
However, in any case, Birand knew how to conduct a composed discussion, he was renowned for his journalistic competence, his erudition and his intense interest on the Greco-Turk issue, as well as the great concerns of the geopolitical zone both our countries belong in.
His loss leaves a great void in international journalism.
My condolences to his family, his friends and his colleagues”.
