"Solving the Cyprus issue is a primary national aim not only for the Greeks and the Cypriot people but also for Europe and the wider region… We steadily support a fair and viable solution for Cyprus, on the basis of UN decisions and Cyprus’ status as an EU member-state, without Turkish occupation forces and with the abolition of the anachronistic system of guarantees," Tsipras said, following the talks with Anastasiades, as quoted by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) on Thursday.
According to Tsipras, the upcoming talks on Cyprus were particularly important against the backdrop of difficulties Europe was experiencing.
On his part, Anastasiades thanked Greece for support on the issue, and said that progress had been made though certain differences remained.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops occupied its northern part and proclaimed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus nearly a decade later. Only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Anastasiades and Akinci have been involved in the UN-led talks since May 2015 with an aim to settle the Cyprus issue.
