The Greek Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, described the Cyprus issue as the “pinnacle” of Greece’s foreign policy, speaking in the news bulletin of ANT1 Cyprus. He assured that “we will exhaust every possible effort to restart the negotiations.”

Asked to comment on the recent statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, Mr. Gerapetritis called them “misguided and condemnable,” emphasizing that “they have absolutely no relation to the truth, nor do they contribute to a climate of mutual understanding.”

“It is clear that the statements were not productive, do not reflect reality, and do not benefit any side. It is clear that the Republic of Cyprus has a very substantial role to play: it is the closest EU country to the Middle East, has performed high-level humanitarian work in the region, and has significantly upgraded its geopolitical role. The reality is that it has no involvement, as has been declared with the military operations being conducted.”

He further emphasized that “we stand in solidarity against any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. We will stand by it.”

Mr. Gerapetritis also clarified that “the foreign policy of both Greece and Cyprus is a policy of principles. We do not accept instructions or advice,” adding, “We will continue this path to be able to engage with all involved parties, contributing productively not only to the peace process in the region but also to the humanitarian aid that must be provided, a role recognized by all parties.”

When asked if the timing of Mr. Fidan’s statements was meant to divert attention from other issues, Mr. Gerapetritis commented that “we are at a critical juncture in the Middle East, following Biden’s proposal for the peace process,” and added that both Greece and Cyprus are trying to maintain a productive stance to help the parties understand the core issues, reconcile their differences, and achieve peace in the region.

“This kind of productive stance from Greece and Cyprus is not always followed by all parties, which try to position themselves in various ways. I think the most crucial thing at this moment […] is that we need an immediate ceasefire, and above all, we must eliminate any possibility of spreading hostilities, which would have even more devastating consequences.”

Cyprus issue at the forefront

“We have the Cyprus issue at the forefront of our foreign policy,” Mr. Gerapetritis remarked, emphasizing that “we are trying with all our might to restart the discussions.”

“I want to assure you,” the Foreign Minister stressed, “that we will exhaust every possible effort to restart the discussion on the Cyprus issue, the dialogue between President Christodoulides and the Turkish Cypriot leader. This is the effort we are making.”

This effort, he said, must be made within the framework of the United Nations Security Council resolutions, and “Turkey must also play a more productive role in this issue for there to be discussion.”

“It is a law of logic: without dialogue, there can be no solution – and this dialogue must be exhausted. The Republic of Cyprus, always aiming towards peace, harmonious coexistence in Cyprus, and the solution of a bizonal bicommunal federation, I believe has set the framework, and we – the Greek Government and I personally – are making tireless efforts on all sides to have the necessary framework,” noted the Foreign Minister.

Mr. Gerapetritis considered the next period particularly critical and important, expressed “a viable optimism that in the coming period we will be able to start the dialogue,” and when asked where this optimism stems from, he replied: “What I am recording at the moment – and I am recording it with particular satisfaction – is that the Secretary-General of the United Nations is extremely dedicated and committed to this development, has prioritized the issue of restarting the dialogue, and it is very important, at the highest level of the international organization that encompasses almost all countries of the world, to have the Cyprus issue as a priority. On the other hand, I, discussing with my Turkish counterpart, convey the need for a restart of discussions. I believe it will be beneficial for both sides.”

Normalization of Greek-Turkish relations will positively impact Cyprus issue

Asked if it is feasible to normalize Greek-Turkish relations with the Cyprus issue unresolved, Mr. Gerapetritis said that “the effort being made to navigate calmer waters with Turkey is an effort aimed at peace and prosperity in our broader region” and expressed the belief that “the normalization of Greek-Turkish relations will have a positive contribution to the Cyprus issue.” He also estimated that “it is important at this time when there is, if nothing else, a channel of communication with Turkey, to take advantage of this environment and achieve a beneficial development for the Cyprus issue.”

Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized that “we are not utopians, we know that Turkey’s basic positions will not change over time,” and explained that “what we seek is to reduce hostility – and indeed overflights over the Aegean have decreased – and on the other hand, to build on a positive agenda with mutually beneficial measures.”

Prime Minister’s visit to Cyprus on the day of the Anniversary holds high symbolism

Regarding Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s visit to Cyprus, for the first time on the day of the anniversary, Mr. Gerapetritis stressed that it is a visit “of high symbolism” that “aims to highlight the common national policy we have, to once again highlight the issue of Cyprus.”

Commenting on the fact that a Turkish delegation will be in the occupied territories simultaneously, he noted: “We know that on the other side there will be a Turkish delegation headed by President Erdogan, with things that do not correspond to reality and history. We will remain faithful to history, faithful to peace, faithful to the expectation that the island must move forward united.”

The Foreign Minister also stated that “for us in Greece, it is extremely important to show the Cypriot people our willingness to move forward as brothers, and this is what we will do on the day of this black anniversary.”