ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- President Clinton, eager to reconcile historic rivals Greece and Turkey, Monday praised fresh diplomatic efforts to create a Europe that's "undivided, democratic and in peace." He also pledged U.S. help as Turkey recovers from two devastating earthquakes.
Promoting Turkish hopes for joining the economic alliance known as the European Union, Clinton noted he's making the longest Turkish visit ever for a U.S. president to show "solidarity.""We have a chance to start a new century on higher ground," Clinton said at the Presidential Palace at the start of a 10-day European trip. "To me that means, in part, we must continue to fulfill the vision of a Europe undivided, democratic and in peace for the first time in history, anchored by a stable and prosperous Turkey."
Clinton pledged to "work for a future in which Turkey continues to be an ally of America, a partner in the new Europe and reconciled with others in the region, especially our friends in Greece."
Police detained about 100 demonstrators who gathered in downtown Ankara on Monday chanting "Yankee, go home" and other anti-U.S. slogans as President Clinton began a state visit.
Clinton was in the Turkish capital for talks with President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. An address to the National Assembly and a state dinner were to follow.
Demirel called the United States a "strategic partner" and said the relationship with Turkey would be strengthened by his visit. "We are working together for peace and security," he said.
Clinton is considering additional U.S. aid to Turkey in light of the latest earthquake that struck Friday, killing more than 370 people, on the heels of an August quake that left more than 17,000 dead.
So far, American support has included search teams, tents and other supplies. The United States has also worked to help Turkey secure loans and other financing to rebuild, Clinton said.
"The United States is proud to stand with Turkey in good times or bad," Clinton said, through "calamities, terrorism or other threats to freedom and democracy."
Turkey has long been a valued U.S. ally, despite its spotty record on human rights, in large part because of its eastern border with the former Soviet Union and its geopolitical role at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East. But a divided Cyprus has stymied Turkey's integration into Europe.
En route to Turkey on Sunday, Clinton hailed a U.N. announcement on restarting talks aimed at resolving the issue on Dec. 3 between President Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader, and Rauf Denktash, leader of Turkish Cypriots. Talks have been in limbo since 1997.
The president said he expected that the talks, to be held in New York, would prepare the ground for negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement on Cyprus.
In 1974, Turkish troops occupied the northern one-third of Cyprus in response to a coup backed by the military junta that then ruled Greece. The government of Cyprus effectively rules two-thirds of the Mediterranean island. Turkey does not recognize the government.
Clinton was asked why conditions may be more conducive now to a breakthrough.
"You have the improved relations between Turkey and Greece over the so-called earthquake diplomacy and interchange," he replied. "I think the people of both countries and, therefore, the political leaders of both countries saw each other with fresh eyes."