The framework for the resumption of talks on the Cyprus issue has been defined by the UN and the EU explicitly supports it, President of the Greek Republic, Konstantinos Tassoulas, stressed on Wednesday.
The Greek President began a three-day official visit to Cyprus, his first since assuming office, at the invitation of the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides. Following a meeting of the two Presidents at the Presidential Palace and extended talks between the delegations of the two countries, the two Presidents made statements to the press.
Asked whether there is room for optimism until July and the expanded meeting under the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus issue, following the latest statements by the Turkish President, Tassoulas noted that “it is not a matter of optimism or pessimism, it is a matter of understanding within which framework the resumption of talks takes place.”
This framework, he noted, has been defined by the UN and the EU explicitly supports it. This framework, he added, has to do with a completely different assumption than “this monotonous and internationally isolated view of two states.”
Tassoulas said that “through this definition and description of the search for a solution and the search for what the problem ultimately is, I think we will be led towards better versions and better and more reliable dialogues.”
“I am not concerned that this will ultimately prevent the continuation of the dialogue, nor do I believe that the dialogue that has begun has had an exciting development so far,” the Greek President said. He also pointed out that the continuation of the dialogue, the appointment of a Personal Envoy of the UNSG, the perception of the UN and Europe, the Security Council, with the recent decision it took with the participation of Greece as a non-permanent member.
Christodoulides said that the Greek President’s presence in Cyprus demonstrates Greece’s long-standing support for Cyprus, for the preservation and defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic.
Regarding the Cyprus issue, he said that it is our common will to continue working towards a sustainable and lasting solution, always within the framework of the decisions and resolutions of the United Nations and the principles and values of the European Union.
“For us, the current state of affairs cannot be the future of Cyprus” Christodoulides stressed.
Meanwhile, replying to questions, Christodoulides said that there are difficulties and challenges but noted that “we have an obligation towards the Cypriot people to do everything possible to reunite our homeland. This is the greatest national mission, the greatest national goal”.
“We will do everything necessary, everything possible, always using diplomacy, in order to achieve the resumption of talks and the solution of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the agreed framework and of course the principles and values of the European Union” he stressed.
( Source : CNA )
