Speaking to the Press, Gerontopoulos, who is currently visiting the island, described his meeting with President Anastasiades as “interesting”, reiterating that Cyprus issue is a top priority for the Greek foreign policy.
He stressed that forty-years of Turkish occupation is a long time and something that constitutes a shame for the history of Europe and a black spot for the EU itself.
“Nicosia is still the only city in the world that is divided by a wall of shame,” he said.
The Greek Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that this issue must finally be solved on the basis of the decisions of the UN and the acquis communautaire and expressed the belief that the initiatives which have been undertaken will lead to a solution.
He made it clear at the same time that our side would not in any case make any other concessions.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
Negotiations under the UN aegis are currently underway between the two communities on the island-the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot-with the aim to reunite Cyprus under a federal roof. Turkey maintains a strong military presence of about 40,000 men in the Republic’s northern part.
