Arriving in Cyprus for a short working visit, Papandreou stressed Greece firmly supports the Republic of Cyprus, “standing by the side of the Cypriot leadership and people, in practice. I am here again, and together to send out the same firm message, in all directions”.
He pointed out that “we move with determination, and I repeat that we will never stop working for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, our national issue”.
The Greek Premier was met at Larnaka International Airport by Cyprus Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou and Under Secretary to the President Titos Christofides.
Today in the morning Papandreou will hold a tete-a-tete meeting at the Presidential Palace with President Demetris Christofias.
An extended meeting will follow with the participation of the leaders of the Cypriot parliamentary parties. The meeting will also be attended by the Greek Alternate FM Demetrios Droutsas, Greek Government Spokesman George Petalotis, Greek Ambassador to Cyprus Vasilis Papaioannou, Cypriot FM Markos Kyprianou, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou and Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou.
In the afternoon Papandreou will meet the Primate of the Cyprus Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos II. Immediately after, he will depart for Athens.
Papandreou ’s visit takes place after UN-sponsored intensive rounds of talks between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, interrupted in view of the illegal elections in the areas occupied by Turkish troops since 1974.
Financial Mirror, April 12, 2010|
