Athens is in regular communication, both with the leadership of the Republic of Cyprus, and with the Personal Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, whose report was recently submitted, without, however, its content having become known in its entirety and without recording suggestions for next steps. Although Ms. Holguín Cuéllar’s mandate ended last week, there is an assessment, say diplomatic sources, that there will be a follow-up, albeit informally to record the next steps in the process.

Greece, the same sources emphasize, strongly condemns the Turkish invasion and illegal continued Turkish occupation of Cyprus for 50 years, while it is self-evident that the Greek position remains unwaveringly stable for a solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. As pointed out, the Cyprus issue is a major priority of Greek foreign policy, while at the present stage a window of opportunity is opening for the restart of the dialogue.

Dialogue with Turkey

To date, the dialogue with Turkey has been based on the positive agenda and Confidence Building Instruments. Under no circumstances have issues of demarcation of maritime zones been discussed, it is emphasized, while issues of sovereignty clearly escape the discussions between Greece and Turkey.

A long period of peace and calm is desirable, but its consolidation will only be achieved when there is progress in the demarcation of maritime zones, diplomatic sources point out. It is estimated, however, that there will be no progress in the demarcation of maritime zones very soon.

The foreign ministers of the two countries are in regular communication to avoid tensions, but no preliminary work has been done on the demarcation issue. This can only be done if an order is given by the leaders of the two countries, it is noted.

Violation of the core of the Prespa Agreement by the leadership of North Macedonia

North Macedonia clearly violates the core of the Prespa Agreement. Article 2 of the Agreement provides – diplomatic sources emphasize – that there must be a single name for everything (“erga omnes”). The positions of both the President and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia are public and do not constitute private opinions. The omission of the aggressive designation “North” constitutes a violation of the core of the Prespa Agreement, as “erga omnes” was at issue when the Prespa Agreement was signed.

The name “North Macedonia” is not being modified or revised, they add. The memoranda will be voted on when there is a willingness to fully comply with North Macedonia in matters concerning the core of the Prespa Agreement. However, their sanction does not constitute an obligation arising from the Prespa Agreement, as there is no such provision, the same sources conclude.