The symbolism of his presence was special. Alexis Tsipras in Cyprusa few days after the presidential elections were held and he was elected Nikos Christodoulides. With his visit, the leader of the main opposition is trying to highlight the importance of Cyprus in shaping Greece’s foreign policy, especially with SYRIZA in government. The agenda of the meeting between Mr. Tsipras and Mr. Christodoulidis included all the current issues of the southeastern Mediterranean, with an emphasis on the resumption of discussions on the Cyprus issue and the prospect of a fair and sustainable solution within a two-zone bi-communal federation. Particular attention was paid to the Greek-Turkish and the new landscape taking shape after the deadly earthquakes in the neighboring country.

Redesign

Mr. Tsipras wanted to highlight the importance of Cyprus in shaping Greece’s foreign policy, especially with SYRIZA’s participation in the government.

During his speech at the commemoration of Vasos Lissaridis, Alexis Tsipras referred to the common course that Greece and Cyprus have chosen for over 15 years and successive governments. He pointed out that in the midst of the Cold War, as well as the mistakes of the past, the two countries should rethink their strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as Euro-Turkish relations: a goal, “a strategy that prioritizes the defense of sovereignty and our sovereign rights, especially our European and American partners. Which will give priority to a just and sustainable solution of the Cyprus question on the basis of UN decisions, without guarantees and occupying troops, for the benefit of the entire Cypriot people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.”

With regard to Ankara, the President of SYRIZA spoke of “a strategy that will give priority to a dialogue on recession and confidence building with Turkey based on international law, with the ultimate goal in The Hague. Which will take advantage of the momentum of solidarity that emerged after the tragic bloody earthquake in Turkey to put Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem, as well as Euro-Turkish relations, on a new trajectory. Like the one we fought for especially in the period of 2015-2016, before the coup in Turkey.”

Alexis Tsipras met with AKEL-backed presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis and EDEK President Marino Sizopoulos. After the Quartet-Four with AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou, the President of SYRIZA mentioned the recent elections in Cyprus: proves one thing. That it is the ballot box that proves real correlations, not poll measurements,” he said.