Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-10-20

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Sioufas on Cyprus issue

[01] Sioufas on Cyprus issue

Speaking after a meeting Monday with visiting Cyprus House President Marios Garoyian, Sioufas said: "I would like to express, on behalf of the Hellenic Parliament and Greece in general, our support towards our common strategic target for a just, viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem that will safeguard the rights of all the lawful citizens, and will ensure the cooperation between the two communities".

At the same time, Sioufas pointed out that "the solution of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, based on the UN resolutions and the principles of the European Acquis, is our steady target, for the last wall of division in Europe to fall".

Sioufas also expressed support towards the direct negotiations process between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and wished that a mutually acceptable solution will be achieved at the end of that process.

During the meeting, Garoyian briefed Sioufas about the latest developments in the direct negotiation process between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

He added that "it is a common ascertainment that the international climate has changed in favour of the Republic of Cyprus and its efforts to promote a solution to the Cyprus problem".

Garoyian also reiterated that "the solution should be consistent with the UN resolutions, the principles and values of the European Union, should be based on the High Level Agreements between the two sides, should be viable and functional, and should be an agreed settlement that safeguards one sovereignty, one citizenship, one international personality of Cyprus, the human rights and freedoms of the people of Cyprus, without settlers and occupying troops".

Finally, Garoyian thanked Sioufas and the Greek Parliament for their "long-term support towards the Greek Cypriots' struggle for freedom and reunification".

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Direct negotiations for a Cyprus settlement between President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat are underway.

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