Parliament Speaker Evangelos Meimarakis was briefed today by Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades about the course of negotiation on the long-running Cyprus dispute.

Mr. Meimarakis said that the exchange of views with the Cypriot President was constructive, however he stressed the need to be fully aware in order to make plans and implement them.

Ankara’s stand so far, says Meimarakis, has been intransigent. “I wish and hope that there will be a change in Ankara’s position, however we must do our own job, have our own planning and try – with our arguments – to persuade the tide of international public opinion,” he said.

Mr. Meimarakis’ visit to Cyprus is on the occasion of the anniversary for the Turkish invasion of Cyprus that was launched in July 1974.