Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with his Estonian counterpart in Athens where both leaders met to discuss bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue and refugee crisis ahead of Estonia’s assumption of the EU Council Presidency.
During their joint press conference Tsipras insisted on telling reporters that his government was striving for a comprehensive solution regarding Greece’s debt on June 15.
“We hope for a solution within June, before Estonia takes over the presidency [of the Council of the European Union] for a final settlement on a reduction of the Greek debt,” he added.
Tsipras said talks with his Estonian counterpart had been “constructive” and that Estonia was taking over the EU presidency at a time presenting serious challenges, including the need to build a new vision on which to build the foundations of a stable Eurozone, so that there can be a steady Eurozone exit from the economic crisis.
The Greek Prime Minister said he will support the Estonian presidency’s efforts to eradicate inequality for European citizens, called for a revision of the Dublin Treaty in response to the refugee crisis and also referred to relations with Turkey.
On Cyprus, Tsipras repeated Athens’ support for a solution in the framework of UN resolutions and accused Turkey of stalling and failing to take steps for improvement on key issues. He also repeated that the Cyprus problem was not a bilateral but European issue.
“I did not fail to express my disappointment at the dilatory attitude adopted by neighbouring Turkey,” he said, noting that Turkey’s stance was proved by the fact that “it does not show the same political will that we do, in order to discuss and resolve important issues, to take steps to bridge the differences on important matters, chiefly those concerning security and guarantees.”
The Greek PM said that he and Ratas, who recently visited Cyprus and held talks with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, “had agreed that the Cyprus issue is not a bilateral issue, that it is a European issue.” This meant that European leaders must be fully informed and ensure over the coming period “that we have the best possible developments, that dialogue remains open and for substantive steps to be taken,” Tsipras added.
On his part Ratas noted the very good relations between Greece and Estonia as EU member-states and NATO allies and praised Greece’s stance on the refugee crisis and said that Athens and Tallinn had excellent cooperation in the relocation of refugees.
