The President of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiadis visited Athens today and met with his Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. The main purpose of the trip is to discuss recommencing the discussions on the Cypriot matter and results of recent trips to the USA and Israel.
As expected, the Cypriot matter dominated Mr. Anastasiadis’ meeting with Mr. Samaras. The Greek PM explained that the any solution to the Cypriot problem would have to lead to a two-zone, social and federal state, with one nationality and international presence. Mr. Samaras also noted that a referendum would be necessary to approve of any decisions.
Mr. Anastasiadis explained that despite the current financial difficulties in Cyprus he is determined to work methodically and systematically so that the next round of talks will produce results that will contribute towards a solution that will respect and ensure the human rights of all Cypriot citizens.
The Cypriot President asserted that returning Ammochostos (Famagusta) to Cyprus would not only restore Greek Cypriot trust towards Turkey, but the reconstruction of a city that has remained uninhabited for 39 years will also bring the island’s two communities together. He also highlighted the importance of negotiations with Turkey to be in line with European precedents.
Mr. Anastasiadis will meet with President Papoulias separately to update him on recent developments. Mr. Anastasiadis is accompanied on the trip to Athens by his Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulidis, government spokesman Christos Stylianidis and the director of his diplomatic office Nikos Christodoylidis.
