Turkey must abandon its unyielding stance in order to pave the way for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of the country, House President Marios Garoyian has stressed.
Garoyian had a brief meeting Tuesday morning with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou in the presence of President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, before the special session of the House of Representatives, held on the occasion of Papandreou’s official visit to Cyprus.
During the meeting, the Greek Prime Minister said that his visit would like to give an impetus to relations between Cyprus and Greece, to the Cyprus problem and to relations within the EU.
Garoyian said that in order to achieve Cyprus’ reunification, Turkey must abandon the hard-line and unyielding stance it has been following for years now, and realise that it is in its own benefit to solve the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN resolutions and EU principles.
“But what discourages us is the tolerance shown by many regarding Turkey’s stance. While at tete-a-tete meetings they agree that Ankara has not fulfilled any of its obligations and does not contribute in a substantive manner to the solution of the Cyprus problem, when the time comes to assess Ankara, they use different pretexts to avoid responsibilities”, he remarked.
He continued saying that Cyprus’ role, in collaboration with Greece and other countries, is to ensure that Turkey fulfills its obligations.
The Greek Prime Minister said that all should undertake their responsibilities, including the EU, the UN and Turkey.
Replying, Garoyian noted that for 35 years now, neither the EU nor the UN have succeeded in exerting the necessary pressure on Ankara.
He continued saying that they have created the framework for the solution of the Cyprus problem but they have not made any substantive moves.
The House President reassured that the Republic of Cyprus has the patience, strength and will “to do the right thing”.
Garoyian expressed Nicosia’s gratitude towards Athens for its contribution to Cyprus’ accession to the EU, saying that Greece is Cyprus’ main advocate.
“If it were not for Greece, its government, Parliament and people, we would not have succeeded in our strategic goal. I hope to succeed, to reunite our people, the soonest possible”, Garoyian said.
The Greek Prime Minister expressed Greece’s gratitude, saying “you have also supported us in difficult times and we thank you for that”.
After their brief conversation, Garoyian and Papandreou exchanged gifts.
They then proceeded to the plenary where the Greek Prime Minister addressed a special session of the House of Representatives, in the presence of Cypriot President Demetris Christofias.
