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Greece and Cyprus reiterate commitment for a peace settlement

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated on Monday their commitment to seek a peace settlement for the Mediterranean island based on the UN-sanctioned premises for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

“Athens and Nicosia, Nicosia and Athens, continue in absolute coordination, whether at the level of the EU, or the United Nations and at the level of our bilateral and multilateral contacts to demand a fair and mutually acceptable solution, a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, always within the framework of UN resolutions. Mitsotakis said in jint statements with Christodoulides in Nicosia.

He stressed that “these resolutions were, are and will remain our guide. In the 21st century, this historical wound that is still bleeding in an independent country cannot remain open. Neither the presence of an occupation army in an EU member-state, nor the outdated system of guarantees of the rights of third parties to intervene in its affairs can be tolerated.”

“It is time for the European acquis to apply to the entire island and the only way, as you said, is to start negotiations again under the auspices of the UN Secretary General,” he added.

He noted that the improvement in both Greek-Turkish and Euro-Turkish relations was an opportunity that should be embraced, he also stressed that the words “gradual” and “reversible” will be “the guide in this new effort”. “We can be optimistic, but we are not also naive,” he added.

On his part, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, announced that Cyprus will cover the cost of reforestation on the burned areas in Rhodes. He also underlined that the two countries have common relations and aspirations.

“Even if some people, either in Athens or in Nicosia ‘see’ differences between us for their own reasons, our goals and pursuits are common, as well as the way and means to achieve the goals. We are following with interest the developments in Turkey after the elections and we welcome the public positions of Ankara regarding the desire to strengthen Euro-Turkish relations,” he said, stressing that the role of the Greek Prime Minister in the European Council was very important.

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