I am in Cyprus at the invitation of my colleague, Markos Kyprianou, to take part in this important initiative for an informal meeting of Foreign Ministers of the region to look at developments in North Africa. It is always a pleasure and an honor to be here in Cyprus.

As always, President Christofias and I had a very meaningful and in-depth discussion on recent developments, particularly with regard to the Cyprus issue. I thank him very much for this discussion and for briefing me. I will say the obvious – and I never tire of repeating this: Greece has always been and will always be at the side of the Republic of Cyprus, at the Cypriot people’s side. We fully support these responsible efforts of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias; efforts toward a solution on the Cyprus issue, based on the resolutions of the UN and with respect for the European acquis, for a Cyprus reunited and free of occupation forces. This disgrace must end.

It is with concern and incomprehension that we are watching the efforts of Mr. Eroglu to abandon the basis for the talks that has been agreed upon and to express positions and views reminiscent only of the past. I don’t think there can be any excuse for this, and Mr. Eroglu needs to come to the table with constructive positions and convince us all that he really wants a solution. Turkey needs to do the same.

You will allow me to say – given that we are currently watching developments in Libya and talking about the need to respect and implement UN resolutions – to make the reminder to everyone that there are also UN resolutions on the Cyprus issue. I think it is a matter of Turkey’s credibility, and credibility before the international community, for the resolutions on the Cyprus issue to be respected at long last.

I had the opportunity to discuss with President Christofias the developments in the region of North Africa. With regard to Syria, it is with great concern that we heard the news today: violence being used once again against Syrian citizens. I once again call on the Syrian leadership to put an end to this violence and respect the desires being expressed by the Syrian people for reforms.

With regard to Libya, I will reiterate Greece’s position once again. We stressed from the very outset that there is an urgent need for serious efforts to find a political solution to the Libyan crisis. We will not see results from military means alone, and I think the international community needs to make serious and responsible efforts in the direction of finding a political solution. Greece is working in this direction and will continue to contribute with its own ideas and initiatives.

Finally, allow me – with reference to the terrorist attack in Morocco – once again to condemn this terrorist attack and every form of violence unequivocally and to assure Morocco and the Moroccan people that Greece is standing by them in a sense of solidarity.