GREEK PM

Cyprus Is Primarily a European Issue

July 2017

The Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras commented on the Cyprus issue, ahead of a second round talks for a solution to be held in Switzerland on June 28, and stressed that it was primarily a European issue.

"Perhaps the most crucial wager for upgrading the EU’s regional and international role is today the prospect of a just and viable solution of the Cyprus issue and ensuring respect of good neighborhood in the Aegean," he said.

Despite efforts on the Greek side for dialogue and good neighbor relations, Tsipras added, Turkey continued a policy of provocations in the Aegean.

Tsipras said the EU could play a crucial role, in cooperation with the United Nations, in the talks currently underway for the Cyprus issue, which he said were a "test" of its ability to support Greece’s demands to end the outdated guarantees system and the departure of Turkish troops from the island.