Tsipras: Negotiation with EU partners on equal terms

He added that the successful conclusion of the negotiation will be beneficial not only to Greece and Cyprus but to other EU countries, so that growth can return.

He noted that Cyprus and Greece are not just two small EU and Eurozone countries. “They may be crippled but they are pillars of peace and stability in the southeastern extremity of Europe,” he stressed.

Tsipras said it was not a coincidence that his first official visit abroad was to Cyprus “with which not only do we share historic ties but also a common future.”

“Despite the crisis that has burdened the Greeks and the Cypriors with unfair sacrifices, Greece and Cyprus are two main pillars of stability,” Tsipras noted.

 He added there was a high level of cooperation and coordination as far as the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue is concerned, which he said should be viable and fair.

“The Cyprus issue is the cornerstone for the Greek-Turkish relations and the consolidation of stability in the region,” Tsipras said.

 He stressed that Greece would support Cyprus’ efforts for a solution within the framework of the United Nations and the existing agreements, on the basis of a bizonal, bi-communal federation and a single citizenship.

The talks fully confirmed our common views on bilateral relations, Tsipras said.

He also noted that he visited Cyprus during a difficult time with the violation of its sovereign rights in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and stressed that the Turkey’s action to dispatch the ‘Barbaros’ vessel to the area was a flagrant violation of the international law and undermined the necessary talks.

However, Tsipras said, in order for talks to continue, it takes respect on the part of Turkey for the international law and not threats. He added that a solution, which will secure the continuity of the Cyprus Republic in the framework of its membership in the European Union and will allow the cooperation of all parties, will set positive powers free and create new standards for all.

Cyprus’ President Nicos Anastasiades wished Tsipras best of luck in his new mission.

He noted that the visit proves Greece’s interest and support to the Cyprus state and Hellenism and that the talks reaffirmed the commitment to a solution which will be based on European principles and values and will safeguard human rights.

“We agreed on issues of coordination of our efforts in order to address Turkish challenges and start a dialogue with the prospect of conclusion. It has been reaffirmed that the relations between Greece and Turkey go through the Cyprus issue and cannot coexist with challenges against Cyprus,” Anastasiades said.

It is also self-evident, he said, that the hydrocarbons in the Cyprus’ EEZ belong to the state and that after the solution the revenues from their exploitation will be to the benefit of all Cyprus’ legal residents.

He added that during the talks it was ascertained that their common position was that with the cooperation of other countries, the pursuit of Cyprus and Greece will be a European Union that aims at economic growth and prosperity.

 Anastasiades said it was agreed that the implementation of reform policies, which are appropriate for each country, is necessary and concluded by saying that they decided to establish an ongoing dialogue to further deepen bilateral relations so as to deal with international and European challenges.