Greek PM in Cyprus to lend his support over Turkish provocations

Greek PM A. Samaras is meeting with Cypriot President N. Anastasiades and they will then head to Cairo for the Egypt-Greece-Cyprus tripartite meeting

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is in Cyprus to offer Greece’s support to the country following Turkish provocations in the territorial waters of Cyprus. Greece considers Turkish encroachment of Greek and Cypriot territorial waters as a matter of International Justice.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has decided to suspend his participation in the U.N.-backed negotiations for a solution of the Cyprus problem after the Turkish seismic exploration vessel Barbaros entered Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) just a few days after Turkey issued a maritime order (NAVTEX) for the area.

Mr. Samaras is dining with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday evening and the two men will have a meeting at 8.50 a.m. to discuss the latest round of Turkish provocations. Consecutive meetings will follow with leaders of parties in Cyprus and at 12.30 p.m. Mr. Samaras will address the Parliamentary plenary. At 2 p.m. the Greek leader will meet with Archbishop Chrysostomos before departing for Cairo for Saturday’s tripartite meeting between Greece, Egypt and Cairo. Greece hopes that an agreement for the EEZ that includes Castellorizo will be reached during this meeting.