Turkey must take all necessary actions that will allow progress in the Cyprus problem, Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Demas has said.

Demas who was received on Tuesday by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias noted in statements after the meeting that Greece supports the Republic of Cyprus and the efforts made by Christofias to solve the Cyprus problem.

He said that he had a very useful and constructive discussion with Cyprus President and thanked him for informing him about the course of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

Demas said that they also discussed other issues of mutual interest concerning the broader region.

“Greece supports efforts for a Cyprus settlement and the reunification of Cyprus. We are focused on our common goal for a viable, functional and just settlement, consistent with the UN resolution and the EU values and principles, harmonized with the acquis communautaire,” he noted.

Demas said that Turkey does not contribute to finding a settlement and “that is why we are not optimistic that there will be a settlement that will create the required conditions to exploit all potentials for the countries in the region.”

He noted that Turkey should make some steps to have progress in the talks and must refrain from making statements and taking actions as regards the Exclusive Economic Zone which are not constructive but contrary to the international law and foment the tension in the region.

Demas said that Greek Cypriots and Greece want to have good relations with Turkey, but Ankara on her part must review its actions and statements.

Houston-based ‘Noble Energy’ began drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ last September. Cyprus has signed an agreement to delineate the EEZ with Egypt and Israel with a view to exploit any possible natural gas and oil reserves in its EEZ. A similar agreement was signed with Lebanon but the Lebanese Parliament has not yet ratified it.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.