The main issue for Greek foreign policy, is the just resolution of the Cyprus issue, pledged Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias in a speech at the Hellenic Parliament during the debate on the budget for 2016.
He added that in “in contrast to Turkey, we are not intervening in the island`s domestic issues”. We protect its independence and sovereignty, he said.
Kotzias said that as “a guarantor power, in accordance with the treaties, and as a member state of the EU, we stated from the outset that the solution to the Cyprus issue must be compatible with (a) European law, without permanent divergences with regard to the four fundamental freedoms, (b) with the abolition of the guarantee system, the departure of the occupation forces, the creation of a security system of the Republic of Cyprus”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island`s northern third. UN backed talks resumed in May aiming to reunite the island under a federal roof.