The President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos has reiterated Athens` support for a solution of the Cyprus problem, noting that despite the difficulties the country is faced with, it is always strong enough to support Cyprus.
Pavlopoulos, who received today in Athens Cypriot President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou, also said that the solution of the Cyprus problem must be based on European values and principles.
In his statements, Omirou, who pays an official visit in Greece, pointed out that the citizens of Cyprus must be treated on the same terms as the rest of the European citizens and thanked Athens for its firm support and its stance as regards the issue of guarantees.
The Greek President assured of Greece`s firm support, saying that despite the difficulties the country is facing, it is `strong enough, always strong, to support the efforts for a solution of the Cyprus issue`.
Europe, he stressed, must undertake its responsibilities as regards Cyprus.
`It is inconceivable that Europe today tolerates an occupation army in one of its member states, especially after the hardships of the Cypriot people. But I am pleased that we have been able to contribute so that there are `red lines`, based on the European acquis”, he said.
The Greek President underlined that the solution in Cyprus must be a European one, based on one state, with one and single sovereignty, which can function within the EU and the Eurozone.
Referring to the economic situation, he said that the people of Greece and Cyprus have suffered the consequences of Troika`s financial assistance programmes, and expressed hope that Europe will learn its lessons and develop those tools needed to combat any future economic crises in a more effective manner, based on the European values and principles, that would ensure a viable growth and social justice.
In his statements, Omirou said that indeed, the Cyprus solution must be a `European one` noting that the citizens of Cyprus must be treated on equal terms with the rest of the European citizens.
The European acquis communautaire and the rule of law must be applied in Cyprus as well, he said, noting that the Cyprus solution must ensure the unity of the state, its people, institutions, economy, and must include the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation army, the illegal settlers, and the elimination of the anachronistic 1960 guarantees.
Omirou thanked Greece for its stance on the issue of guarantees, which does not wish nor does it accept to participate in a new guarantees` framework in Cyprus.
He urged Turkey to undertake its responsibilities and abandon anachronistic and imperialistic practices of the past and support a solution which will restore stability, peace and cooperation in the wider region. This, he said, will be to the benefit of Turkey and its European aspirations as well.
Referring to rumors of a `Grexit`, Omirou underlined that this is out of the question.
“Greece is part of the European foundation, part of the EU and the Eurozone. This is an historic truth and its participation is valuable for the European foundation. Because Greece is a factor of stability, safety and cooperation in the wider region”, he pointed out.
He called upon the EU institutions to demonstrate solidarity and the fundamental principles and values of the Union so that there is a mutually agreed solution which can allow Greece and its people to return to growth, social cohesion and the creation of new jobs.
The House President also held a meeting with the President of the Greek Parliament Zoe Konstantopoulou, who expressed the support of the Greek Parliament to the efforts for a solution in Cyprus.
Konstantopoulou said that recent developments in Cyprus give room for optimism as regards the prospects of a political settlement on the island and said that the solution must be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality and the respect of human rights.
`This is the only framework of a solution that can be acceptable in the EU` she pointed out.
Omirou said that the two Parliaments are in close cooperation and coordination for the promotion of a common goal which is a solution in Cyprus. He also said that pressure must be exerted on Turkey so that the efforts for a Cyprus settlement bear fruit.
“Cyprus and Greece are important factors for the security, stability, peace and cooperation in the region”, he concluded.
The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since May 2004, has been divided by Turkish troops in the summer of 1974. Since then, Turkey occupies 37% of this Mediterranean island`s territory. UN led talks for the achievement of the Cyprus issue resumed in May.
