Greek Premier reassures Cypriot president

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has told Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades that his country remains firm in its support of the effort for a solution and that it stands by Cyprus in defence of its rights.

Mitsotakis, who was welcoming Anastasiades at his office in Athens where a working visit was taking place on Tuesday, noted that President Anastasiades’ visit was deeply symbolic as he was the first head of state he was receiving at Maximos Mansion.

This is a “sensitive time for the Cyprus problem” Mitsotakis said, adding that he was about to be briefed by President Anastasiades over his recent contacts with UN Secretary General’s envoy in Cyprus Jane Holl Lute and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.

“Our aim is to end the occupation and the unacceptable guarantee status,” the Greek Prime Minister said, adding that the obstacles put forward by the other side do not lead to progress despite the Cypriot President’s sincere efforts.

Mitsotakis noted that Turkey’s illegal behaviour was provocative and underlined that Greece will remain firm in the effort for a Cyprus solution and will stand by Cyprus in defence of its rights.

He also said that Turkey’s position goes against EU interests and that this should be understood.

President Anastasiades thanked the Greek Premier for his country’s consistent position and for the support in the need for finally finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Anastasiades also said that a proper solution of the Cyprus problem would create the conditions for improved relations between Greece and Turkey.