Nicosia, Cyprus. Greece has supported and will continue to support Cyprus, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said on Monday during an event marking the 52nd anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of the island.
Speaking at the Makedonitissa tomb war memorial in western Nicosia, Hatzidakis said reunification was the only solution and should be pursued under United Nations resolutions and the European acquis communautaire.
Support for reunification
“The reunification of the island is the only solution we have before us, and we will pursue it on the basis of the United Nations resolutions and the European acquis communautaire for a just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem,” Hatzidakis said.
He said Greece “was, is, and will be by Cyprus’ side,” alongside Cypriot Hellenism, in what he described as a struggle uniting Greeks everywhere.
UN initiative
Asked about the forthcoming visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hatzidakis said the Greek government was actively seeking a just and sustainable settlement.
He welcomed Guterres’ initiative to restart talks, while saying progress did not depend solely on Greek Cypriots or Greece.
“Our side has shown its will for a solution to the Cyprus problem,” he said.
Asked about the prospect of an enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem, Hatzidakis said: “Let’s stay here.”
