Cyprus and the Greek debt: Greece – US talks

Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden where he discussed Greece’s debt and the Cyprus issue. Earlier Tsipras had given a speech to the UN Assembly on Migration and Refugees where he highlighted the dangers of the humanitarian crisis unfolding unless the international community works collectively for a solution.

In his meeting with Biden, Tsipras noted that a Cyprus solution will be one more step in the direction of stability in the wider region. Athens considers that progress has been made and supports the talks but notes that the withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops is a condition for a solution, while asserting that the guarantees regime is outdated and should be abandoned.

The Greek PM reaffirmed his Greece’s support for the talks between the two communities on the island and Greece's steadfast position in support of a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, based on UN resolutions.

Concerning the debt, sources said, Athens considers that the discussion on debt relief is continuing and that the second review of the Greek programme must also be accompanied by an agreement for debt relief outlining specific steps on a short-, medium- and long-term level.

Tsipras also had a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May, at her invitation where they discussed the Brexit and the implications for Greek nationals living and working in the UK.