Avramopoulos maintained that ending the Turkish occupation of Cyprus and finding a comprehensive, agreed solution to the problem remained the top priority of Greek foreign policy and a key to normalising Greek-Turkish relations.

“I would like to believe that Turkey will realise that progress in the Cyprus problem is in its interests,” he said, noting that he conveyed this message to his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu during a brief working meeting they had in Istanbul on the sidelines of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Conference.

“This is warranted by the European course of the neighbouring country as well as by the need for consolidating stability in our region,” he said. “We want good relations with all countries in the region and of course with Turkey and for this reason it is important (for Turkey) to change its stance and attitude.”

During his meeting with Christofias yesterday, the two men discussed Cyprus' EU presidency, the Cyprus problem, developments in the Middle East and energy issues. 

Speaking after the meeting, the minister said: “I am sure that Cyprus will fully rise to the challenge of its historic first EU presidency, a challenge which is even greater in the current juncture of the deep recession and the sovereign debt crisis challenging Europe.” 

Asked whether Greece will proceed with the delimitation of its EEZ, Avramopoulos said Greece could exercise this inalienable right at any time.

“The country's moves lie within a central strategic plan and when the time comes there will be announcements,” he said.

Source: Cyprus Mail