NICOSIA and Athens are on the same track both with regard to the resolution of the Cyprus problem but also on broader energy policies, Greek Prime Minister Loucas Papademos and President Christofias said yesterday.
“We are roasting in the same cauldron, we are in it together,” Christofias said, referring to the energy prospects in the Mediterranean but also the financial crisis gripping both countries.
Papademos arrived on the island yesterday on a two-day official visit, his first here since assuming office. He is accompanied by Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Stavros Demas, Minister of State Pantelis Kapsis and government officials.
A joint press conference at the Presidential Palace followed a tête-à-tête between the two leaders and talks between the two sides. The agenda included bilateral relations, energy prospects and Cyprus’ upcoming assumption of the EU presidency.
In response to a reporter’s question, Christofias said nothing definite had yet been decided on a memorandum of energy cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel.
“Unfortunately, once more we have to deal with aggressive Turkish behaviour and threats, as Ankara does not respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone. Cyprus and Greece are in constant contact to counter the Turkish provocations,” Christofias said.
But he appeared to leave a door open to Turkey. Were Ankara to display flexibility in efforts to settle the Cyprus issue according to UN resolutions, Christofias said, Cyprus would have no objection to working with Turkey in a number of areas.
“Why restrict it to hydrocarbons? Turkey could be an ally to Cyprus, with a special status and relations, as it is under the Treaties of 1960. Let Turkey help solve the Cyprus problem, and we have the good will to work with Turkey on many issues.
“I trust that what I’ve just said will not raise a new storm of so-called ‘patriotism’,” he added.
For his part, Papademos said Greece is in the process of “examining” the possibility of delimiting its maritime borders with Cyprus and Egypt.
Papademos reiterated the Greek government’s opposition to the convening of a multilateral conference on the Cyprus problem.
During the official dinner hosted by the government in Papademos’ honour last night, Christofias had some tough talk for his interlocutors in the peace talks:
“Lip service by some Turkish officials regarding the will of Turkey and Mr. Dervis Eroglu for a solution is not sufficient, when Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership in practice are promoting a two-state solution in Cyprus,” the President said.
“Its audacity and cynicism constitute components of the provocative behaviour of the Turkish leadership, which via its provocations scorns the international and European legal order and threatens, without inhibition, Cyprus and Europe.”
Papademos’ itinerary includes meetings with the leaders of all the parliamentary parties. Today the Greek premier is scheduled to address a special session of parliament, and will be meeting with the Archbishop and with representatives of refugee associations.
