Greek PM ‘moderately optimistic’ about fresh Cyprus talks

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was “moderately optimistic” about the resumption of talks to solve the Cyprus problem.

Speaking on Skai TV, Mitsotakis said he was optimistic that “we will have another opportunity for the two communities to sit at the negotiating table, for the resumption of talks in the framework of UN decisions.”

In order for this to happen, he said, “there must be a single sovereignty, a single nationality, a single international identity.”

“These are non-negotiable concepts for the future of Cyprus, as long as there can be an agreement,” he pointed out.

Asked if Turkey was ready to move forward, Mitsotakis said he was not in a position to know.

“Greece is here to help in any way it can. However, negotiations and decisions are up to the two communities,” he added.

To questions in view of his upcoming visit to Cyprus, Mitsotakis said “Saturday is a difficult day for Hellenism.”

“Fifty years later, we still see a third of a European country being under occupation. It is an opportunity, as any such date is, to reflect on what we possibly did not do well,” Mitsotakis said.