Mitsotakis hopes tripartite meeting to lead to resumption of Cyprus talks

Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his expectation that the upcoming tripartite meeting will lead to a resumption of negotiations towards a solution based on Security Council resolutions, international law and the European acquis, in his statements at the joint press conference after the conclusion of MED9 on Friday.

Mitsotakis said that “the Cyprus issue, 50 years after the invasion and occupation of more than a third of Cyprus by the Turkish forces, has found its place in our declaration,” referring to the joint declaration issued by the nine leaders of MED9.

In addition, he welcomed the informal tripartite meeting under the UN Secretary General. “I want to express my expectation that this meeting will bring about the resumption of negotiations towards a solution based on Security Council resolutions, international law and the European acquis.”

Addressing the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, he said “you are well aware, my dear Nikos, that Greece will always be at your side in your effort, so that finally, 50 years after the Turkish invasion, we can achieve this much desired solution.”

Mitsotakis also referred to the participation of the King of Jordan at the summit, noting that Jordan is a country that is a factor of stability in the wider Middle East region, which needs more European support. “I reiterate the great importance we all attach to the conclusion of a strategic cooperation agreement between the EU and Jordan.”

Regarding the latest developments in the Middle East, Mitsotakis specified that “it is sad, possibly tragic, that we are here in Cyprus, the EU member state that is closest to the crisis, that is unfortunately escalating in the Middle East, an escalation that unfortunately is also testing the Lebanese people at the moment.”

He in turn called for an immediate ceasefire, both in Lebanon and in Gaza, where, he said, the humanitarian disaster has reached nightmarish proportions.

“Greece has from the very first moment condemned Iran’s attacks against Israel, as they contribute to the dangerous escalation of tension and increase the risks. On the other hand, we too call at this time for restraint so that South Lebanon does not turn into a new Gaza. It will be a grand new humanitarian tragedy, which the wider region cannot bear.”

He also noted that the leaders discussed issues related to European competitiveness, as well as issues related to migration. “We recognised the fact that all Mediterranean countries are unfortunately at the forefront of the climate crisis. Consequently, our coordination to address these phenomena is all the more imperative”, he added.

The Greek Prime Minister ended his remarks noting that MED9 scheme still has a lot to offer, “especially now that we have a Commissioner from Croatia, who will deal exclusively with Mediterranean issues.”