A fair and viable solution to the Cyprus issue remains a top priority for Greece, Gerapetritis says

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“Finding a fair, viable and mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus issue remains a top national foreign policy priority for Greece.

A solution of a bizonal, bi-communal federation within the framework set out by the resolutions of the United Nations’ Security Council,” Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said on Tuesday, in joint statements with his Cypriot counterpart Dr. Constantinos Kombos.

Gerapetritis was in Cyprus for his first official visit abroad after assuming his new duties as foreign minister.

Regarding Turkey, Gerapetritis stressed that “we are ready to use the current good climate that has arisen and create conditions for dialogue based on the law of the sea, with the aim of settling the bilateral difference over the delineation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone.”

“It remains to be seen whether Turkey also sincerely wishes us to open a path to rapprochement,” he added, while stressing that this does not imply that Greece will back down from its red lines and national priorities, of which a major priority was a fair solution to the Cyprus issue.

“An important goal is for Cyprus and the Cypriot people – Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots – to be rid of the Turkish occupation army and the anachronistic system of guarantees and rights of intervention by any party in Cypriot affairs,” he emphasised, adding:

“The solution must be functional and grant the reunited Cyprus Republic the future it deserves. It must also ensure the unobstructed implementation of the European acquis throughout Cyprus’ territory.”

In this framework, Gerapetritis said, “our full coordination with the Cyprus Republic on all levels serves as a steady compass for Greece and the foundation stone of our policy for Cyprus,” while emphasising no fait accompli will be accepted in any way.

The minister said he was in Cyprus to send the message that Greece will consistently support Cyprus in a resumption of efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, pointing out that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had recently supported Cyprus’ request for a more active role by the EU in this effort. Greece will continue to provide this same support in the context of the United Nations, he said.

Gerapetritis also referred to the bilateral and multilateral schemes and projects by Greece and Cyprus to promote peace and prosperity, especially in energy but also in matters such as managing migration and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Being aware of the challenges in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East, we are steadily striving to establish a regional security framework through dialogue, cooperation and the commitment of all sides to international law. Such schemes do not exclude anyone, provided that the principles and values of [international law] are upheld,” he said.

Among such schemes, he mentioned that of Greece-Cyprus-Israel with the participation of the United States (3+1 mechanism), as well as similar trilateral schemes with Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine.

Lastly, he offered his sincere condolences to the family of a young cadet that died during military exercises in Greece.

Source: ANA – MPA

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