The Cyprus problem was among the issues discussed during the two-hour meeting foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey had on Friday, in Athens, where they expressed their differing positions on the decades-old issue.
“In a world full of divisions, a united European Cyprus, apart from the conditions of prosperity it would create for its citizens, would be an extremely important universal symbol,” Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said.
“Greece’s positions on the Cyprus problem are well known. We support a solution within the framework of the Security Council Resolutions based on a bicommunal bizonal federation. We hope that the recent informal meeting in New York will create the conditions for the resumption of dialogue.”
On his part, Fidan, did not make a direct reference to a two-state solution, but excluded the possibility of the federation model.
Turkey’s stance is clear and firm, he underlined. “It has been proven over time that the model of the federation is no longer applicable on the island. A new spirit is needed to ensure the security, freedom and prosperity of both Turks and Greeks on the island.”
In a joint press conference, both ministers admitted to disagreements over issues surrounding the designation of their maritime boundaries, but pledged talks will continue.
The two ministers attempted an initial approach on a “tough and crucial issue”, but their positions still differ and the issue would be discussed again at a future meeting, Gerapetritis said.
Greece says that the two countries only need to discuss the issue of designating an exclusive economic zone and continental shelf boundaries. Turkey recognises a positive momentum in relations but says that more issues need to be put on the table.
“There are many issues linked to each other in the Aegean that we need to work on and seek solutions for. We cannot group them all as solely maritime delimitation or exclusive economic zones,” Fidan said.
Athens and Ankara say they want to keep channels of communication open, boost trade volumes and work on issues which have kept them apart, notably in the Aegean Sea. They also plan tighter cooperation on security and migration.
Greece and Turkish officials will hold another round of talks in Athens on December 2-3, Gerapetritis said, as the two countries prepare for a high-level cooperation council in Turkey early next year.
Both ministers said they hoped Ankara and Athens could resolve their issues through dialogue, before wrapping up the press conference with a rare hug on stage.
