Kombos rules out Turkish proposals during Athens visit

Greece will continue to fully support the effort for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said after a meeting he held in Athens with Cyprus Foreign Minister Costantinos Kombos. The Cypriot FM noted in the joint statements after the meeting with Dendias, that no solution that will permanently divide the country nor a two-state solution will ever be accepted.

Greek and Cypriot Foreign Ministers met Thursday in the context of the latter’s first official visit to Greece, after taking office.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias discussed the Cyprus issue, as well as recent developments in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean, with both sides confirming the excellent level of bilateral cooperation.

Regarding the Cyprus issue Kombos stressed that the Cypriot government “will never accept any divisionary solution or two-state solution” and that it will continue its efforts for a Cyprus solution despite “Turkey’s intransigence”.

During his joint statements with his Greek counterpart, the Cypriot Foreign Minister referred to the tragic train accident in Tempi, Greece, noting that “Greece and Cyprus are mourning for the unexpected loss of so many of our fellow citizens, including Cypriots".

In this context, he expressed "the sincere and deep condolences of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the government, and the people of Cyprus".

As regards the agenda of his meeting with his Greek counterpart, Kombos explained that the Cyprus problem was the main issue discussed during their meeting.

“Our common vision is the reunification of Cyprus and the solution of the Cyprus problem, always within the agreed UN framework, on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, with political equality and based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions”, the Cypriot Minister said.

"We will never accept any dichotomous or two-state solution," he stressed. At the same time, he expressed hope that through the initiatives to be taken by the Cypriot government, in consultation with Greece, "the conditions will be created that will allow the resumption of the talks".

In this direction, he noted that the EU's contribution is considered particularly important. "Unfortunately, Turkey’s illegal actions in the fenced-off area of Varosha continue," he stressed, noting that Ankara is attempting to create new faits accomplis.

"Any development other than the transfer of Varosha under UN administration is a violation of international legitimacy," he said. This situation, he added, comes on top of Turkey's illegal actions within the Cypriot EEZ.

Cypriot Foreign Minister explained that during his meeting with Nikos Dendias, they also discussed regional developments and multilateral cooperations.

"Our vision is to transform the Eastern Mediterranean into an area of peace, stability, and prosperity. We want to be together the catalyst for this effort. In such a vision, there is no room for threatening behaviors such as those of Turkey," Constantinos Kombos concluded.

On his part, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias underlined Greece's unreserved support to the effort for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

He warmly thanked his Cypriot counterpart for Cyprus' support to Greece following the deadly train collision that resulted in at least 56 dead.

As regards the Cyprus problem he stressed that it constitutes "a top national priority for Greece”.

"We will continue to provide our support for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the UN Security Council resolutions. A solution of a bicommunal, bizonal federation, compatible with the European acquis", Dendias stressed.

He also explained that during his meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, they discussed joint initiatives at the international level to “prevent the upgrading of the pseudo-state”.

Finally, the Greek Foreign Minister referred to the issues of bilateral cooperation and regional synergies discussed during the meeting with Minister Kombos.

"The Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a region with a catalytic role in environmental protection and the EU's energy independence. Greece and Cyprus can play a decisive role in this direction", Nikos Dendias concluded.