[01] Greek Defence Minister: Greece continues to guarantee Cyprus' security
The Greek Defence Minister Mr Akis Tsohatzopoulos who arrived in Cyprus
yesterday on a private visit, welcomed the European Union Summit conclusions
on Cyprus saying that they pave the way for developments in the Cyprus
question.
Speaking to journalists on arrival at Larnaca airport, Mr Tsohatzopoulos
said that the EU decision for unhindered, final entry of the Republic of
Cyprus into the European Union irrespective of a political settlement,
carried a strong message to Turkey and to the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf
Denktash that the proper way to deal with the Cyprus problem was on the
basis of Security Council resolutions, envisaging a single federal state
with two zones and two communities.
The Greek Defence Minister ruled out a confederal solution in Cyprus. "The
possibility of setting up a confederation in Cyprus cannot even be up for
discussion. It is inconceivable to see a change in the policy that the
international community has backed for 25 years in order to overcome
Turkey's insistence on recognition of a separate entity in occupied Cyprus,
" he said.
Mr Tsohatzopoulos stressed that if Turkey wishes to be part of the world
security system, to accept UN decisions and to walk down the path towards
Europe, it could not insist on a confederation in Cyprus.
Greece, he said, continues to guarantee Cyprus' security to allow efforts
for EU accession and a political settlement to proceed in a peaceful
climate.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
