Greece, Cyprus confirm “common handling” against Turkey’s illegal actions

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiadesissued a joint communique issued after their meeting in Athens on Tuesday. The two leaders confirmed “common handling” in response to turkey’s illegal actions.

Anastasiades briefed the Greek premier on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue as well as his unofficial meeting with Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on August 9 and the efforts of the UN Secretary General’s special envoy for Cyprus Jane Holl Lutte for an agreement on the terms of reference that will allow talks to resume, as well as the problems raised by Turkey afterwards.

In the communique, Mitsotakis and Anastasiades noted that there has been a detailed briefing on Turkey’s aggressive and illegal actions in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and national waters and against Famagusta, as well as expressions of extreme intransigence during an illegal visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Melvut Cavusoglu to the occupied territories on Monday. 

The two leaders expressed their stern opposition and concern over Turkey’s illegal actions in the sea and its plans and announcements for the Famagusta area, while they agreed on a common handling in response to illegal Turkish actions.

They also expressed their shared position that Turkey must stop such actions and contribute to creating an appropriate climate for talks.

“The Greek Prime Minister and the President of the Republic of Cyprus reiterated their absolutely willingness to resume the substantive negotiations that will lead to a viable and functional solution for Cyprus without guarantees and foreign troops, based on the international law and in accordance with UN resolutions and treaties, as well as the principles and rules of the European Union,” the joint communique said.