PM Tsipras and President Erdogan meeting: focus on refugee issue

The Turkish President said the agreement also depends on the relationship between the two countries, while the same sources said that the Greek side "welcomes it."

They also referred to Turkey's efforts to reduce refugee flows as last year there were 5,000-7,000 arrivals every day and now refugee flows have been reduced to 150.

Greece still supports Turkey on the issue of visas, provided - as indeed for any other similar issue - that the criteria set by the European Union are followed, while it supports the EU accession process of Turkey, always provided that Turkey meets those provided in the roadmap.

Moreover, Greece supports the assistance to Turkey to address the refugees in its territory.

The two leaders confirmed that at this stage it is extremely useful all the issues to be solved through dialogue and understanding.
Erdogan also referred to the eight military officers who have sought asylum in Greece. Tsipras said that Greece had initially made clear that the issue is dealt with on the basis of those provided by international law. Tsipras commented that those involved in the coup were "unwanted in Greece".

According to a government official, this placement of Alexis Tsipras is not directly related to the "8" that have applied for asylum in Greece, but it was clear overall, having clarified once again that their issue will follow the provisions of international law.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Tsipras raised the issue of security, saying that the aim is to form a solution which, according to the firm positions expressed by Greece and which the prime minister reiterated the issue of security of all Cypriots will be examined provided that the Turkish forces will withdraw from the island.

According to government sources, Erdogan did not reply to issues concerning the Cyprus problem, adding that the overall response was to continue with cooperation and closer talks to address all open issues.