S. DIMAS: It is a pleasure to be meeting with you again. As you know, the Cyprus issue is a top priority of Greek foreign policy. We are aware of the problems you are facing right now with the constant statements from Turkish officials – they are competing with one another in intransigence and giving Mr. Eroglu occasion to be even more intransigent and create problems in the negotiations. We see all the efforts being made by Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus, we know the challenge of holding the EU Presidency, and we are very pleased that we will be collaborating. And in that context, the Foreign Ministry and the Republic of Cyprus have signed a memorandum for the provision of specialists who will help during the Presidency. And of course we welcome your visit and the meetings you are having, because they will help keep the Greek authorities better apprised. Welcome to Athens.
Y. OMIROU: My warm thanks for the welcome, and I want to express my gratitude for the firm support of the Greek government, the political parties, the Greek people, in the struggle we have unfortunately been obliged to continue these past 38 years, to bring the occupation to an end and achieve a solution that is democratic, functional, viable, and founded on the principles of international and European Law.
The support of Hellenism is a sine qua non. Greece is the natural pillar of Cypriot Hellenism in this difficult struggle. A Turkey that, instead of showing flexibility and bringing its positions into line with its European aspirations, escalates its intransigence, as set out in the positions it submits through Mr. Eroglu at the direct negotiations that appear to have stagnated – to be at an impasse – as described by the Secretary General himself in his draft report.
Of course, it appears that the Secretary General will not proceed to the convening of the multilateral conference, because there is no justification whatsoever for such a conference when there is no convergence, no agreement, which was the prerequisite set regarding internal aspects of the Cyprus issue if the convening of a multilateral conference was to be warranted …
March 14, 2012