Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias has said the EU should have exhibited more determination when taking crucial decisions such as those on Turkish sanctions.
“In its latest decisions, the European Council seems to tolerate Turkey’s manipulative tactics as regards the withdrawal of (seismic vessel) Oruc Reis even though it supports the need for sustained de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean region,” Dendias told the Hellenic Parliament during a debate on the national budget.
He also said that ending Cyprus’ division since a Turkish invasion in 1974 remains one of the Greek foreign policy’s top priorities throughout the yeas.
“The illegal and provocative actions of Turkey in the fenced-off area of Famagusta and in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone do not contribute to the creation of a constructive climate,” he said.
“Moreover, the new Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar’s statements (for a two-state solution in Cyprus” are assessed as extremely negative,” he added.
The only path towards the solution of the Cyprus Problem is resumption of negotiations, based on the Resolutions of the UN Security-Council and the European acquis, he said.
“We are working in that direction, in close cooperation and absolute agreement with the government of the Republic of Cyprus”, he also said.
