Tsipras says Greece and Cyprus could be ‘EU bridge to Russia’

During an official trip to Cyprus on 2 February 2015, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras defended that both countries should become the bridge bringing Russia and European Union closer.

While apparently denying Russian offers of financial aid to tackle the economic crisis, Mr Tsipras was seen by analysts as purposedly playing a dubious card on the matter. Right after being elected, the Greek PM was relunctant in accepting further sanctions against Russia [check the Related URL on Ukraine for more information].

According to EurActiv, both Greece and Cyprus are Orthodox countries with traditions of siding with Russia on many occasions. Both states also backed Orthodox Serbia and refuse to recognise Kosovo as an independent state. The economic penetration of Russia in Cyprus raised concerns among the island country’s Western allies. During the 2012-2013 Cyprus financial crisis, Russia proposed financial assistance to Nicosia, but the EU and eurozone member went instead for a €10 billion bailout agreed with the troika.

Alexis Tsipras also wished for a peaceful and definitive answer to the situation in the Cypriot island with Turkey [Click here for more information on the subject].

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Putin's Reach: Merkel Concerned about Russian Influence in the Balkans http://www.europeansources.info/record/putins-reach-merkel-concerned-about-russian-influence-in-the-balkans/

ESO: Background information: Statement of the Heads of State or Government [Ukraine] http://www.europeansources.info/record/statement-of-the-heads-of-state-or-government-ukraine/

EUObserver, 03.02.15: Greece equivocates on Russia bailout option https://euobserver.com/foreign/127475

Kathimerini, 02.02.15: Tsipras takes cautious line on Cyprus http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_02/02/2015_546811

Euronews, 02.02.15: Tsipras rules out Russian aid for Greece http://www.euronews.com/2015/02/02/tsipras-rules-out-russian-aid-for-greece/

Deutsche Welle, 02.02.15: Greece rules out seeking aid from Russia, stresses EU course http://dw.de/p/1EUbu

Wedomosti, 03.02.15: Russia disappointed with Tsipras (via Euro|Topics) http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/archiv/aehnliche/archiv_article/ARTICLE157701-Global-perspectives-Russia-disappointed-with-Tsipras

EUObserver, 11.02.15: Russia repeats offer of Greek aid ahead of EU talks https://euobserver.com/foreign/127589

Deutsche Welle, 11.02.15: Russian, Greek foreign ministers close ranks http://dw.de/p/1EZdM

EurActiv, 18.03.15: Tsipras hastens Russia visit amid Greek cash crunch http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/tsipras-hastens-russia-visit-amid-greek-cash-crunch-312998

Deutsche Welle, 01.04.15: To Russia with love: Greece's flirt with Moscow http://dw.de/p/1F1aM

Kathimerini, 02.04.15: Greece-Russia overtures seen as sideshow by Merkel, Hollande http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_02/04/2015_548753

EurActiv, 03.04.15: Athens plays Russian card, eyes Turkish Stream http://www.euractiv.com/sections/global-europe/athens-plays-russian-card-eyes-turkish-stream-313533

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