It is better to work for a Cyprus solution, instead of just talking about, Greek Alternate Minister of National Defence Dimitris Vitsas has said on Wednesday. Speaking in Nicosia, where he is paying a visit, Vitsas appeared certain that the solution will be a successful one and for the interest of Cypriot people.
The Greek official met this morning with Defence Minister Christoforos Fokaides and the two men reiterated the position of Nicosia and Athens in favor of terminating the anachronistic 1960 system of guarantees.
“Our steadfast and common goal with the Republic of Cyprus is to terminate Turkey`s occupation and reach a comprehensive, nationally acceptable and viable solution, on the basis of UN resolutions and Cyprus` EU membership” Vitsas said after the meeting.
He noted that Athens lends full support to bicommunal talks but has no reason, whatsoever, to intervene in this negotiation. Greece supports the effort of the Cypriot government and of the Republic of Cyprus, Vitsas added.
The Alternate Minister also noted that “a viable solution to the Cyprus problem is unthinkable without the withdrawal of all occupation troops and without the abolition of the anachronistic 1960 system of guarantees”, while Ankara is expected to assume a constructive stance and contribute to the efforts for a settlement.
The Greek official said finally that there is room for further cooperation on defense industry matters and said that both countries have the potential to become agents of stability in the region.
“There is no room for anachronistic guarantee systems, nor can a modern state and in particular an EU member state, be under the tutelage of guarantors or guardians” said Christoforos Fokaides from his part.
He noted that the he briefed Vitsas on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and on efforts to reach a viable and functional solution, that will terminate Turkish occupation in Cyprus and reunify the country.
According to the Minister, during the meeting, the two sides confirmed that “Cyprus and Greece remain basic pillars of stability and security in the wider region”.
During their “cordial and productive” meeting, Fokaides said that they took stock of geopolitical conditions in the region and of developments in relation to the refugee crisis, terrorism and geopolitical volatility.
They also reviewed efforts for the continuous enhancement of bilateral relations, under the lens of the latest security developments.
“Our defense cooperation is, in any case, interwoven with the effort to promote peace, security, and respect for international law” the Minister of Defence concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks, aiming to reunite the island under a federal roof, resumed last May.
