Greek opposition leader on a visit to Cyprus

The president of the Greek New Democracy Party, Antonis Samaras, is in Cyprus on a two-day official visit, at the invitation of the President of the Democratic Rally party (DISI), Nicos Anastasiades.

Samaras, who arrived Sunday night, was met last night at Larnaca airport by Anastasiades and then he attended an official dinner hosted in his honor by DISI Political Bureau.

In his first statements on his arrival, Samaras said that the solution to the Cyprus problem can only be a viable and functional one and in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations and the European acquis.

He also said that this was his first official visit abroad as the leader of the opposition, adding that he was deeply touched to visit Cyprus.

Samaras said he would have “useful” meetings with the political leadership, adding that the objective is to unite everybody in a joint struggle, form a united front in order to reach a long-lasting solution to the Cyprus problem.

On Monday, Samaras will be received by President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and will have separate meetings with leaders of parliamentary parties and Archbishop Chrysostomos II.

Samaras will conclude his visit later today.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunify the island.