Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Demetris Droutsas reiterated on Thursday the support of Greece to the efforts made by Cypriot President Demetris Christofias for solution of the Cyprus problem, and to the package of proposals submitted by President Christofias aiming at expediting the ongoing UN-led negotiations for a settlement.
President Christofias and Droutsas held a meeting at the Presidential Palace, by which Droutsas concluded his two-day official visit to Cyprus, his first as Foreign Minister of Greece.
In statements after the meeting, Droutsas said President Christofias briefed him on the latest developments in the direct negotiations and the prospects for a solution.
“I assured President Christofias once again of the absolute support of Greece, the Greek government, to his efforts. These efforts are precious and have been acknowledged and appreciated by the international community, and by all our EU partners. The Republic of Cyprus has a voice, validity and credibility,” he said.
He also expressed Greece's support to the three-point package submitted by President Christofias. “These are substantive proposals, constructive ones and can contribute to finding a solution soon, a desired solution, based on UN resolutions, the EU principles and the European acquis communautaire. This is the solution, which is in the best interests of the all citizens of Cyprus,” he added.
Droutsas called on the Turkish Cypriot community to show a constructive spirit at the negotiations, and Turkey to take the necessary actions. “I call on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus. The Cyprus issue is an issue of invasion and occupation, and this is something we do not forget and we stress in every direction. I call on Turkey to respond positively to proposals, such as the return of the Famagusta to its legitimate inhabitants,” he said.
He furthermore sent the message that the Cyprus issue remains a top priority for Greek foreign policy, and that Greece and Cyprus are together, united. “Only if we stay united can we achieve our goals,” he concluded.
The package submitted by the Cypriot President provides for parallel discussions of property with the chapter of territory and the issue of the settlers, the return of the fenced-off city of Famagusta (Varosha) to the UN, as mandated by UN Security Council resolution 550. The objective of the proposal is to restore the town and return it to its legitimate inhabitants, combined with the opening of the city’s port for trade for the Turkish Cypriots, under EU supervision, as well as the restoration of the walled city of Famagusta (old part of the city). The third proposal provides for the convening of an international conference, once the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side are within reach of an agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem.
Peace talks began in September 2008 between President Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Talks continue now with Dervis Eroglu, who succeeded Talat in April this year. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.
