President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou referred to the Cyprus problem and the intensification of Turkish provocations, among other issues, during her visit to Thessaloniki, on the occasion of the anniversary of the city’s liberation and the celebration of its patron saint Ayios Demetrios.
Speaking at the lunch served in her honor at the Officers’ Club of Thessaloniki Guard, Sakellaropoulou noted that the Cyprus problem is a “top national issue”.
“Turkish aggression in Varosha, in the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus, and in our wider region will not undermine our commitment to our common goal: the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions,” she stressed.
Turkey “has again chosen to escalate its provocations”, the Greek President stressed, noting that Greece is “open to dialogue”, but also “ready to defend its national sovereignty and sovereign rights if necessary.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency