President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou is on an official visit to Nicosia, following an invitation from President Nikos Christodoulides, to attend the 64th anniversary celebrations of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
Following the welcoming ceremony, the two Presidents held a private meeting at the Presidential Palace, followed by extended talks on Monday.
In a joint press conference, Sakellaropoulou emphasized that Greece always stands by the Republic of Cyprus. “No challenge, provocation, or threat will weaken us. On the contrary, it will further strengthen our continuous cooperation and coordination of positions and actions,” she stated.
Referring to her meeting with counterpart Christodoulides, she reiterated that both nations remain unwaveringly committed to achieving a mutually acceptable, just, functional and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue within the framework of United Nations Resolutions and European law.
She further stressed that Greece supports the ongoing efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to break the deadlock and resume substantial negotiations.
“It must be understood by all, especially Türkiye, that peace, cooperation and prosperity cannot be achieved through violence or the imposition of arms. Illegality can never create justice. Particularly in a time when international law and human rights are being brutally violated in Ukraine and elsewhere, no deviation from the dictates of international law and the European legal order can be accepted,”
Sakellaropoulou added, rejecting the notion of a two-state solution in Cyprus.
“President Christodoulides and I agreed that maintaining communication channels and a calm atmosphere in Greek-Turkish relations could help create the conditions for restarting dialogue on the Cyprus issue, always in line with United Nations Security Council Resolutions,” she noted.
Sakellaropoulou also highlighted the inseparable link between the progress of EU-Turkish relations and the resolution of the Cyprus issue, a position repeatedly emphasized in European Council conclusions. She added, “We expect the other side to take advantage of the opportunity and demonstrate the required constructive stance to restart negotiations without preconditions or ultimatums.”
Additionally, Sakellaropoulou expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection project, noting that it would enhance Greece’s strategic position, end Cyprus’s energy isolation and reduce energy costs for consumers.
She also underscored the ongoing duty to support the families of Missing Persons until the fate of every last one is clarified.
Sakellaropoulou during her official visit to Cyprus met with representatives of the Association of Unaccompanied Children Sheltered in Greece from 1974-1979.
Source: ANA-MPA
