The main concern and complete, firm strategic pursuit of Greece’s external policy is an end to the Turkish occupation, stated Monday Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
 
He also expressed hope that a new framework of understanding will ensue from President Nicos Anastasiades’ meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, on the 9th of August, "that will allow for some progress” for Cyprus.
 
Mitsotakis was speaking to the press after his talks in Nicosia with President Nicos Anastasiades, in the framework of his official visit to the island.
 
Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said he reiterated to President Anastasiades that “the main concern and complete, firm strategic pursuit of Greece’s external policy is an end to the Turkish occupation”. Expressing satisfaction for the forthcoming meeting between Anastasiades and Akinci, Mitsotakis said he is cautiously optimistic that a new framework of understanding will ensue that will allow for progress to be achieved on the major issue.

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The Greek Prime Minister also said that he made it once more clear that the Cyprus problem cannot be settled without the full abolition of the anachronistic system of guarantees and the withdrawal of Turkish occupying troops from the island.

He added that he will await with interest to be informed by President Anastasiades on the outcome of the meeting on August 9.

On his part, President Anastasiades said he will meet Akinci with determination and positive political will, “looking forward as Cypriots, to work to find a solution that will primarily serve the interests of all Cypriots.”
 
He also said that it is a common position that the resumption of the talks requires the active contribution of Turkey in creating the necessary climate, ending its illegal actions within Cyprus’ EEZ, as well as any plans in the fenced off area of Famagusta which instead of building confidence, they promote a sense of suspicion and mistrust in relation to the real intentions of the other side. "

The two men also referred to Turkey`s provocations within Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Greek Prime Minister said that they discussed ways of concerted reaction to Turkey`s intensified provocative behaviour.

He noted that it is not a reaction limited just to the excellent cooperation between Greece and Cyprus. "It is a reaction which concerns the EU since the matter is not just about the sovereign rights of one of its member states but also EU energy policy and its need to diversify its energy sources in the Eastern Mediterranean basin."

In the framework of European institutions, Mitsotakis said, "Cyprus should consider Greece`s support as granted, so that intensified Turkish provocative behaviour will receive the corresponding reaction, always at a European level."

On his part, President Anastasiades expressed his warm thanks for Greece`s "strong support on dealing with Turkey`s illegal activities."

At the same time, he noted, "it was jointly determined that it is our duty and obligation to defend international legitimacy and the sovereign rights of an EU member state, on the basis of European acquis and international law and it is with particular satisfaction that we welcome EU decisions."
 
Anastasiades and Mitsotakis also spoke of how important the trilateral cooperation mechanisms Cyprus and Greece have established in the Eastern Mediterranean region are.

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It is a positive precedent, Mitsotakis said, adding that "the participation in these discussions of other important, strategic players who have a strong interest in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a development which is extremely welcome."

Anastasiades said that during their talks they reconfirmed their will to have joint actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, to enhance initiatives which have been promoted jointly through the trilateral cooperation they have established with Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine.
 
"Our goal is none other than upgrading regional cooperation, dialogue, peaceful and creative co-existence, aiming to the make the most of the prospects ahead especially in the energy sector," he added.
 
President Anastasiades further reiterated that the network of cooperation developed is "against no-one and excludes no neighbouring country." On the contrary, he added, it establishes cooperation and enhances a common goal for peace, security and stability in the particularly vulnerable region of the Eastern Mediterranean. 

The Greek Prime Minister also praised the Cypriot President on his bold reforms which boosted Cyprus` competitiveness and resulted in it having a positive growth rate quickly an example his government intends to follow.

CNA