Gerapetritis: Improved Turkish-Greek Relations Contributing to Cyprus Talks

In an interview with mononews.gr, quoted by Politis under the headline “Sees Momentum,” Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of maintaining this progress. He described the informal meeting on Cyprus held in Geneva this March as a tangible result following seven years of stagnation, attributing its success in part to the personal initiative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Gerapetritis said the most important goal now is to build trust and noted that preparations are underway for a broader follow-up meeting on Cyprus. He added that Greece intends to maintain its constructive role, as it did in Geneva.

He pointed out that the UN Secretary-General’s appointment of a personal envoy for Cyprus highlights two key facts: that the issue remains high on the UN agenda, and that dialogue is the only path forward.

Regarding the electricity cable connection between Greece and the south of Cyprus, Gerapetritis confirmed that the project remains on track. He stated that surveys around the island of Kasos (Kaşot) had been completed as planned.

Referring to the presence of Turkish naval vessels in the region, Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s position that the maritime memorandum signed between Turkey and Libya is illegal and null and void. He described the ongoing undersea surveys for the electricity project as a legitimate activity protected by international law.

He concluded by saying that the interconnection between Crete and southern Cyprus would resume at an appropriate time.

According to Fileleftheros, Gerapetritis also confirmed he held a productive meeting last Thursday with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin.