Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking in the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in Nicosia Saturday, said “that Hellenism will not stop fighting until Cyprus is reunited.”

“We believe that the Greek-Turkish detente helps the Cyprus issue move forward,” Mitsotakis said. “The fact that we talk (with Turkey) doesn’t mean we agree or, even more so, that we are retreating (from our positions). Greece, as a strong state in every respect, talks with everyone,” he added.

“Only when someone is in the wrong, and is bereft of arguments, do they avoid dialogue. When they also resort to provocations, they make it worse, Mitsotakis said, alluding to the extravagant celebrations by Turkey in occupied Cyprus, for what they call the “great liberation” of the Turkish Cypriots.

“Without shedding our emotions, we in Athens and Nicosia must view the situation with pragmatism. Every solution demands brave decision…but we must not divide those who fight into better and lesser patriots,” Mitsotakis said, adding that both countries are coordinating their interventions in all international forums.