Cyprus issue top priority says Mitsotakis

The main concern and complete, firm strategic pursuit of Greece’s external policy is an end to the Turkish occupation, stated Monday Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

He also hoped that a new framework of understanding will ensue from President Nicos Anastasiades’ meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, on the 9th of August, "that will allow for some progress” for Cyprus.

Mitsotakis was speaking after talks in Nicosia with President Nicos Anastasiades.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said he reiterated to President Anastasiades that “the main concern and complete, firm strategic pursuit of Greece’s external policy is an end to the Turkish occupation”. Expressing satisfaction for the forthcoming meeting between Anastasiades and Akinci, Mitsotakis said he was cautiously optimistic that a new framework of understanding will ensue that will allow for progress to be achieved on the major issue.

On his part, President Anastasiades said he will meet Akinci with determination and positive political will, “looking forward as Cypriots, to work to find a solution that will primarily serve the interests of all Cypriots.”

He also said that it is a common position that the resumption of the talks requires the active contribution of Turkey in creating the necessary climate, ending its illegal actions within Cyprus’ EEZ, as well as any plans in the fenced off area of Famagusta which instead of building confidence, they promote a sense of suspicion and mistrust in relation to the real intentions of the other side. "