Kozani, Greece. Former Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras said Cyprus’ accession to Nato would “only lead to new dangers,” following discussion on defence support after the island was hit by an Iranian-made drone last week.
Tsipras comments at book presentation
Speaking at the presentation of his book in Kozani on Saturday night, Tsipras said Greece should respond to Cyprus’ request for defence support in the aftermath of the drone incident, adding that “we did it right”.
He said, however, that “at the same time, it is irresponsible to give a line to media outlets which talk about Greece as a guarantor power [of Cyprus] and for the activation of the united defence doctrine”.
Position on Cyprus problem and regional conflict
Tsipras said the war in the region should not lead to abandoning efforts to solve the Cyprus problem or to consolidate partition. He called it a warning to fight for a reunited and federal Cyprus “without guarantors and occupying troops”.
He said “only a just and sustainable solution based on United Nations resolutions can ensure peace and stability” and that only an “autonomous Europe” can contribute to this, referring to the slogan of the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Opposing view from Schinas
Tsipras’ remarks came after former European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas earlier in the week proposed that Cyprus should “request, officially and urgently, the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to Nato,” adding, “this is the moment”.
Schinas said Cyprus is “the only non-Nato member on the frontlines of this geopolitical turmoil,” noting that Turkey and Greece are Nato members, while Cyprus is not. He said that alongside Europe’s offer of defence and security, the current situation presented an opportunity for Cyprus to seek Nato membership.
What do you think would be the main impact of Cyprus seeking Nato membership?
