Samaras: Cyprus problem a top priority for the Greek government

The Cyprus problem remains a top priority for the Greek government – despite its financial woes – Greek New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras said today.

Speaking after a meeting with President Demetris Christofias, Samaras said: “Cyprus and Greece are two independent states, however the two countries belong to the same nation.”

He underlined the need for a solution to the Cyprus problem that will be viable and just and will end the island’s Turkish occupation.

Samaras also said that during the meeting with President Christofias, they discussed the latest developments regarding hydrocarbon exploration in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and that the natural wealth in both Cyprus and Greece can lead to a joint strategy in economic matters.

Samaras is in Cyprus for a three day visit at DISY leader and presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades’ invitation.

Later today he will meet with Anastasiades, commerce minister Praxoulla Antoniadou, house President Yiannakis Omirou and AKEL head Andros Kyprianou.

He will also meet archbishop Chrysostomos, before attending a dinner hosted by Anastasiades.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.