A solution of the Cyprus problem must include the full withdrawal of all Turkish troops from Cyprus and should abolish the anachronistic system of guarantees of 1960, Cypriot Defence Minister Christoforos Fokaides said in a press conference with his Greek counterpart Panos Kammenos, in Athens.
On his part Kammenos expressed the view that the international community understands that Cyprus should and could reunite its citizens in a state where the rule of law prevails and that Turkey and its occupying forces have no place in such a solution.
The Greek Defence Minister said that it is the first time he hopes that a solution will be reached, highlighting that back in 2004 he was strongly against the UN Annan plan even though his party New Democracy supported it.
However I believe, he added, that this time the international community understands what is going on the region as a whole and can help achieve a real solution.
He also expressed the view that Turkish Cypriots see that the greatest threat for them “is the theocratic state Erdogan is trying to build which is not in line with their culture.”
On his part Fokaides said that there are many factors and motivations which are taking shape as a result of new geopolitical developments which could lead the international community towards a course of exerting pressure on Ankara so that it will allow the process to move towards a just and functional solution.
Our side, he added, remains in a spirit of goodwill and sincerity firmly committed to the goal of ending the greatest political and historic anachronism which continues to take place in Cyprus, that of the division and occupation of an EU member state.
He also said that during his meeting with Kammenos they both confirmed the common position of Cyprus and Greece in the matter of guarantor powers;That it would be absurd to try to adopt such a regime which brings to mind the Cold War era in a modern state which is at the same time an EU member state.
On Tuesday afternoon an official ceremony will take place at the Greek Ministry of Defence for the return of the remains of six Greek soldiers who perished during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and have been missing ever since.
Flags will be flown at half must and the Pentagon (Greek Ministry of Defence) will honour the heroes, the remains of who we will welcome in Athens, Kammenos said.
Later the two Ministers will attend an event in honour of those who were killed on board of the navy ship Phaethon in 1964.
Fokaides layed a wreath at the monument of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma square and was received by President of the Hellenic Parliament Nikos Voutsis.
Cyprus has been divided by Turkish troops since 1974. Turkey still occupies 37% of Cyprus’ territory. UN led talks aiming at reunifying the island under a federal roof resumed in May last year.