Cyprus president telephones PM; E. Med exploration discussed

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and Cyprus President Demetris Christofias held talks on the telephone on Monday, agreeing that tension in the Eastern Mediterranean must be avoided. According to an announcement issued by the Greek premier’s press office, the two leaders stressed that all sides involved must maintain a responsible attitude.

    Papandreou was also briefed on the progress of talks between the Cyprus government and the Turkish-Cypriot community to resolve the Cyprus issue, expressing his full support for Christofias’ efforts to make real progress.

    The call was made at Christofias’ initiative, in the framework of regular and frequent communication between the Greek premier and the Cyprus president.

    Christofias also briefed Papandreou on the results of an investigation concerning the July 11 explosion at the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari and the progress of exploratory drilling for fuel being carried out by Cyprus in its Exclusive Economic Zone.