Upgrading the coordination between Nicosia and Athens is necessary, more than ever before, Cyprus Presdient Nicos Anastasiades stressed on Monday, adding that this coordination is not directed against the European edifice or any third country.
He also called on all those who shared the same goals to join the common effort.
Addressing a state banquet in honour of the President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos, in Nicosia, President Anastasiades said the two countries were coordinating their moves in order to deal with the humanitarian crisis, improve the EU`s institutional functions and help turn the Eastern Mediterranean into an area of peace, stability and security.
The President also noted that the aim for a Cyprus solution to reunite the island remains in place.
Addressing the President of Greece, Anastasiades said his visit to the island, the first since he officially assumed duties, is reaffirming the unbreakable ties between Cyprus and Greece, and thanked the Greek people and the government of Greece for their support.
On the possible resumption of stalled UN-led settlement talks, President Anastasiades said he hoped for a “sincere dialogue”, that will stay clear of any threats or disputes of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, an EU and UN member.
The goal is to end the Turkish occupation and illegal influx of settlers, and restore human rights and the fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, the President concluded.
In his reply, Pavlopoulos noted that the people of Greece and Cyprus remain on the same path and in unwavering unity.
He said that the Cyprus problem can only be resolved on the basis of international and European law, the UN Security Council resolutions and under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General.
“We are not merely fighting for the rights of Hellenism, we fight for the principles and values of the EU…and of international law” the Greek President said.
A Cyprus solution, he continued, must be based on a single international personality, a single citizenship and a single sovereignty.
If no such solution is reached, this will not only violate the rights of Cyprus, but it will turn against the EU and the international community, for not being able to perform their mission.
Due to its historic role, Europe can guarantee both world peace as well as a world economic balance, Pavlopoulos concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks were suspended in October last year as Turkish vessel Barbaros violated Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and Ankara issued a NAVTEX, which reserved part of Cyprus’ EEZ.
CNA/AGK/MAN/MM/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY