On the occasion of celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus, I would like to extend my fondest wishes for the freedom and prosperity of Cypriot Hellenism and all Cypriot People.
Our common goal is — and will remain until it is successfully achieved — the termination of the turkish occupation of the island, in the context of a comprehensive and agreed solution of the Cyprus Issue. The Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council are the sole basis, binding for all parties, to find a solution that will ensure the implementation of the European acquis throughout a reunited Cyprus and will put an end to the presence of occupation forces and the anachronistic and untenable system of Guarantees.
As regards the Cyprus Issue, our common goal and priority today is the reopening of negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary General.
However, Turkey's illegal and provocative actions in the maritime zones of Cyprus, as well as the threats concerning settlement of Varosha, in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, do not at all contribute towards creating the necessary climate for such a reopening.
I firmly believe that the effort to put an end to these illegal and provocative actions will prove successful, through continuous coordination between our two countries. I draw my optimism from, among other things, this effort being based on international law, as well as the strong international position of the Republic of Cyprus, as a Member State of the European Union and a participant in trilateral and other regional multilateral cooperation schemes in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greece will always stand at Cyprus’s side, supporting its peaceful struggle to defend and fully safeguard its sovereign rights and sovereignty and to put an end to the turkish occupation.
October 1, 2020