President of the Greek Republic, Karolos Papoulias, Greek Prime Minister, George Papandreou and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel reaffirmed their support to the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

According to a press statement issued here today, Papoulias, Papandreou and Merkel contacted President Christofias in order to wish him for his 65th birthday on Monday.

President Papoulias and Premier Papandreou reaffirmed that Athens fully supports President Christofias in his efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, adding that the firm cooperation between Greece and Cyprus will continue.

President Christofias on his part expressed the gratitude of the Cyprus people and his government for Greece’s support.

Chancellor Merkel in a note to President Christofias expressed her confidence that he will approach the issue of reunification of Cyprus and EU presidency with “determination and acuity”.

She also noted that throughout his political career, especially as President of Cyprus Republic, he served his country in the best possible way.

Chancellor Merkel referred to her visit to Cyprus at the beginning of 2011 and she described the talks she had with President Christofias as “pleasant, confidential and fruitful”.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The leaders of the two communities, President Christofias and Dervis Eroglu, are currently engaged in UN-led talks, with an aim to reunify the island.

Cyprus which joined the European Union in May 2004 will assume EU Presidency the second half of 2012.