The normalisation of relations between Greece and Turkey has already created positive conditions for the Cyprus issue, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said in an interview with Hurriyet newspaper, a day before the visit of his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, to Athens.
“We remain at the disposal of the [UN] Secretary-General to contribute to the dialogue for a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN Resolutions”, he noted.
Asked about Greek-Turkish relations, Gerapetritis said that there was “a remarkable” will to lead bilateral relations on a different path and noted that the improvement of relations between the two countries has already created better conditions for the Cyprus issue. The informal meeting in New York between the UN Secretary-General and the two sides on the island is a first step towards the resumption of talks, he said, and reiterated the position for a united Cyprus.
He expressed the belief that, he shares with the Turkish Foreign Minister the view that no problem can be solved without a negotiation attitude and productive thinking.
“We remain at the disposal of the [UN] Secretary-General to contribute to the dialogue for a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN Resolutions. In a world full of divisions, a united European Cyprus, in addition to creating prosperity for its citizens, would also constitute a strong universal symbol,” the Greek Foreign Minister stressed.
Regarding relations between Greece and Turkey, he said that thanks to the level of trust they have achieved, step by step, with the Turkish Foreign Minister, they are able to discuss with honesty and prevent crises. “We must build strong bridges of friendship for the future, without ignoring the historical experiences of the past. My vision is a neighbourhood of lasting peace and prosperity between our peoples”, he said.
