The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has committed to maintaining a high level of cooperation and coordination with Cyprus in order to come to a solution for the Cypriot dispute, according to the statements he made following his meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis.

Mr. Tsipras stressed that Greece and Cyprus shared “a bright history and the common European and Mediterranean future with important potentials” and that despite the financial crisis, both countries have remained pillars of stability in the troubled Eastern Mediterranean.

Regarding the ongoing surveys conducted by the Barbaros in the Cypriot EEZ, the Greek Prime Minister stated that Turkey’s actions constituted a flagrant violation of Cypriot sovereignty. Mr. Tsipras further noted that his administration has the intention of making radical changes, such as allowing Muslims to elect their own Mufti, but noted that careful consideration is necessary.

The Greek Prime Minister further insisted on his call for an abolition of the troika, underlining that it is a mature and necessary development for Europe and that the past four years of implementing an austerity policy have been inefficient. The Cypriot President added that “any institutional change for the better will be in the interest of the Cyprus and other countries in a program”.

Mr. Tsipras stated that “Hellenism must gain the voice and strength to assert its rights” and that Greece wholeheartedly supports the Cypriot Government.