Greece supports a fair solution for Cyprus: Greek PM

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and reiterated his support for a fair and viable solution of the Cyprus issue.

During a joint press announcement, Tsipras noted that solving the Cyprus issue was a primarily national aim not only for the Greeks and Cypriots but also for Europe and the wider region and that his government will do everything to support the negotiating efforts.

“We steadily support a fair and viable solution for Cyprus, on the basis of U.N. decisions and Cyprus’ status as an EU member-state, without Turkish occupation forces and with the abolition of the anachronistic system of guarantees,” said the Greek PM.

Tsipras also emphasised that the Cyprus issue is not a bilateral but an international issue that begun with the illegal invasion and occupation by Turkish troops.

He said he was fully briefed by Anastasiades on the significant progress being made in talks with the Turkish-Cypriot side and the issues that remain open.

In turn, the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said he believed Cyprus will achieve its aims through the joint course followed and Greece’s support, noting progress has been made but differences remain.

“I want to believe that the other side will show the same good will and understanding in order to reach [a solution] as soon as possible; especially if the rhetoric on Turkey’s side is accompanied in practice by encouragement and support for, the Turkish Cypriot leader, in order to overcome the difficulties currently encountered,” Anastasiades said.