Cyprus President pledges solidarity to Greece for economic woes

Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias reassured Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou Friday in Athens that Greece can count on Nicosia's support at the forthcoming EU summit of March 25 on the Greek economic crisis

"Greece can always count on Cyprus' support at the EU summit. Our support is granted," said Christofias, who is paying a four- day visit in Greece since Thursday evening.

"Greece has done what should have been done. Now it is Europe's time. To support the Eurozone, not just Greece," Papandreou said.

Papandreou said that the day when the issue will be discussed again on EU summit on March 25 is a national holiday in Greece, commemorating the beginning of the Greek War of Independence against the then Ottoman Empire in 1821.

Regarding the ongoing dilemma of turning to EU or IMF for more aid, in the mean time, Greek government spokesman George Petalotis said that Greece wishes for a solution inside the Eurozone framework, expressing hope that everything will become more clear until the EU summit in Brussels.

"There is no issue of bankruptcy or taking new measures," Petalotis stressed, when asked during a radio program for a comment on scenarios that Athens will receive financial help with Germany's support if Greece declares bankruptcy.

After their meeting, Papandreou and Christofias announced that the Greek premier will visit Nicosia soon for talks with all leaders of Cypriot political parties on the solution of the Cyprus problem. The date of the trip will be announced in the coming days.

Christofias briefed Papandreou on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue, expressing contentment for the " utmost support of Prime Minister Papandreou's support in our efforts."

"It is about time the Cyprus issue will be solved, but that can be done only on the basis of certain principles of the international law, the United Nations and the EU," Cristofias underlined.

The Cyprus leader will visit Patras on Friday afternoon to unveil a monument for George Grivas, a protagonist in the struggle of independence of Cyprus from British rule. Christofias will also be named an honorary professor at Patras University.

On Saturday he will inaugurate the new Cyprus Embassy building in Athens, and on Sunday he will attend a memorial service in the island of Crete for Eleftherios and Sophoklis Venizelos, two late great Greek political leaders.

Source: Xinhua