New Greek government takes over at crucial period, says Cyprus FM

The newly elected government in Greece, under PASOK President George Papandreou, is taking over the leadership of the country at a very crucial period as regards the Cyprus problem, as well as Turkey’s European future, Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou has said, adding that during this period closer cooperation and coordination between Cyprus and Greece is needed.

Called to comment on the result of the national elections in Greece and PASOK victory, Kyprianou said that the Cyprus government always maintains close cooperation and coordination with all the governments in Greece. “Of course, we will keep close cooperation with the new Greek government”, he added.

“The newly elected government is taking the leadership of the country at a very crucial period as regards Cyprus, because we are in the second phase of the UN-led direct negotiations, and also because of Turkey’s forthcoming evaluation by the EU, next December”, he said and concluded: “So, especially during this period, even closer cooperation and coordination between the two governments will be needed”.

The Socialist party PASOK led by George Papandreou, a former Foreign Minister, won the election in Greece with almost 10% head against ruling Conservatives party of New Democracy and will form a government, having secured the majority of seats in the Greek Parliament.

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.