Athens supports a Cyprus solution, as well as the efforts by the Cypriot government towards a settlement on the island, Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras said Saturday.

Addressing a conference of the Greek ruling party, Syriza, in Athens, Tsipras added moreover that a settlement that provides for the continuation of the presence of Turkish troops in no real solution.

“We want a just and viable settlement. We don`t forget that the Cyprus problem is due to the illegal invasion and occupation by Turkish troops, it is not a bilateral problem, it has to do with international law” said the Prime Minister of Greece.

“A solution providing for the presence of Turkish troops on the island forever is not a solution and this needs to be understood by all” Tsipras underlined.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.