Greece agrees to resume Cyprus talks

Greece supports the resumption of talks for a “viable and fair” solution to the Cyprus issue, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said Friday.

A joint declaration that will pave the way for restarting the stalled talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders is likely to be finalized soon, said Samaras after a meeting with visiting Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades.

Any text for a final settlement should be put to referendum by both Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, Samaras added.

“The joint declaration is not the solution to the Cyprus problem, but lays the groundwork for dialogue,” said Anastasiades.

The Cypriot leader arrived here late Thursday to discuss with the Greek leadership the resumption of UN-mediated negotiations on the Cyprus issue.