Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Stavros Demas has said that the Cyprus problem will remain a major issue of Greek foreign policy until the Turkish occupation of the island’s northern part is terminated and the island is reunified.
Addressing a political meeting in Salonica, Demas said that he chose Cyprus as his first destination as Minister of Foreign Affairs “to show the whole world that we are giving this struggle with our brothers in Cyprus, we stand beside them at every step, at every difficult turn, as they are supporting us during these trying times.“
Demas noted that the messages received by the Turkish side did not leave much room for optimism, since “various factors in Turkey are competing against each other in intransigence.“
He added that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu is withdrawing from what had been agreed at talks with President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias for a Cyprus settlement.
Demas denounced Turkey`s threats against Cyprus regarding exploration for hydrocarbons in Cyprus` exclusive economic zone, noting that Ankara is audacious enough to tell the EU what to do.
He said Turkey was exacerbating instability in the region and thus distancing itself from the EU, adding that Athens wanted Turkey to come closer to the EU by meeting the prerequisites.
Referring to a meeting he will be having on Friday with the UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, Demas said Downer would brief him on the course of negotiations for a settlement, which were “not going well.“