SYRIZA Leader Tsipras Meets with Russian Officials

As he exited the Ministry, Tsipras stated he conducted a substantive: "...in-depth briefing meeting" with Titov, as reported by ANA. The Greek party leader is on a two-day trip to Russia, where he is discussing Greek-Russian concerns, German-Russian relations, along with bi-lateral collaboration affairs.

Tsipras described his discussions with the First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs as a time: "...to obtain a complete picture about current developments in the Ukraine issue. We underlined our concerns, where we coincide and where we disagree with the Russian side but, chiefly, we underlined the need for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. And the need, on the part of the EU, to highlight dialogue, negotiations and the diplomatic route, and not sanctions or an escalation of tension".

The SYRIZA head further added, "In the last days, also, we had the opportunity to submit the view that Ukraine must be a bridge of cooperation and not division in the heart of Europe and that the Ukrainian people are the only ones empowered to decide their future, through constitutionally foreseen democratic processes, whether these are elections or referendums". SYRIZA delegates will return to Athens Tuesday evening, after a meeting with Russian Parliament's lower house.