Greek President: Greek fate is indissolubly linked with that of Cyprus
Greek President Karolos Papoulias assured Monday the Cyprus House of Representatives that Greece, its people and leadership "will continue supporting Cypriot Hellenism". Addressing an extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Nicosia, the Greek President also said that Turkey is now facing historic dilemmas and it will have to review fundamental aspects of its policy on Cyprus or risk its European prospects. Welcoming Papoulias, House President Demetris Christofias said a correct solution to the Cyprus problem should be an agreed solution. A solution that will result from substantial negotiation and the achievement of the necessary changes in the Annan Plan, which will render it more balanced, functional and therefore viable, by effectively addressing the concerns of both communities to their mutual benefitand not by serving foreign interests. In his speech, President Papoulias said that for the first time, the Republic of Cyprus with its vote, will participate in the procedure to monitor Turkey's European course, noting that in a European reality, occupation troops do not have any place and sooner or later, Turkey will have to reconcile with this reality, if it wants to maintain its European path. Referring to Cyprus' accession to the EU, President Papoulias said that "it determines the international framework in which the Cyprus problem falls into", stressing that the "end of the Turkish occupation and restoration of the territorial integrity of the Cyprus state, through an overall mutually acceptable, fair and viable solution remains a national priority". "A solution to the Cyprus problem remains the constituent element of peace and stability in the wider region and could guarantee a high level of security and welfare for all citizens on the island, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots", he stressed.
The Greek president assured that "all of Greece, its people and its political leadership is and will remain at your side, to assist and support the Greek Cypriots and all the people of Cyprus. This position is determined by history. Our fate is indissolubly linked with that of Cyprus".
Referring to the history of the Cyprus problem and efforts to resume the peace process as well as the Cypriot government's proposal for the co-management of the Turkish occupied port city of Famagusta, Papoulias said that Greece believes that "the international community must avoid actions that contribute to consolidating the division of the island and especially taking measures which lead directly or indirectly to the recognition of the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus such as the use of ports and airports in the occupied areas without the consent of the Republic of Cyprus".
On Turkey's EU course, Papoulias expressed the hope that it will lead Ankara to a "gradual period of peace, stability and friendship with its relations with Cyprus and Greece".