Statement to the Press by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, after his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Nikos Dendias
Nicosia, 4 December 2020
It is always with great pleasure that I welcome to Cyprus my good friend, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and the members of his delegation, in the framework of the regular contacts and the open-ended coordination between us, as well as at the level of our associates, on a daily basis. In particular, due to the ongoing initiative of the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus issue and Mrs. Lute’s contacts, but also in the light of the upcoming Councils of Foreign Ministers and Heads of State and Government next week, the coordination and exchange of views between us happen on a daily basis.
More specifically, we discussed all developments with Nikos today, we evaluated the results of our deliberations with Mrs. Lute and we exchanged views on the next steps so that on our part we can do everything possible in order for the initiative of the Secretary General to have a positive outcome. At the same time, we discussed the revisionist behavior of Turkey in the wider region, which as you know is on the agenda of the European Council next week in Brussels.
Ladies and gentlemen,
With regard to the Cyprus problem, we have expressed our readiness for the resumption of negotiations from where they were suspended in Crans Montana, as was made clear to Mrs. Lute, and we really hope that the UN Secretary General will convene an informal conference on Cyprus soon which will pave the way for the resumption of substantive negotiations within the framework of the mandate of the Secretary-General, as clearly defined by the Security Council, with a view to achieving a solution of based on a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation. In this context, we welcome the commitment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to this effect, as it is also manifested through the ongoing initiative. We consider that it is possible, and it is precisely in this direction that we are working, for substantive negotiations to resume, that will lead to a positive outcome, provided that these will take place in a conducive environment, as prescribed by the UN Secretary General, far from the efforts that we witness on the part of Turkey to create faits accomplis, on the ground, such as we in the fenced area of Famagusta, or at sea, with illegal activities in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus. The public statements made by Turkey and Mr. Tatar regarding the need for a change to the intended outcome go beyond what has been agreed, and the internationally accepted framework, hence they can in no case be accepted. In this regard, we consider that the European Union, of which the Republic of Cyprus is a Member and will continue to be after the solution of the Cyprus problem, has a decisive role to play.
Dear Friends,
Speaking about the European Union, next week in Brussels, the Leaders of the Member States are expected to assess Turkey's behavior in the broader region, and not only, and it is expected that they will decide on the full spectrum of EU-Turkey relations. In relation to the forthcoming European Council, let me remind you that the Leaders unanimously expressed in early October, through the Conclusions adopted, their readiness for a positive approach to EU-Turkey relations on the condition, inter alia, that Turkey will cease its illegal activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and that Ankara will work constructively for the resumption of substantive talks on the Cyprus problem, within the scope of the Good Offices mission of the UN Secretary General, ending any illegal actions that violate United Nations decisions with particular reference to Resolutions 550 and 789 concerning the fenced area of Famagusta. It is clear that the ball lies in Turkey's court, any decisions will depend on Ankara's behavior, and the Leaders will take relevant decisions, after assessing her behavior, as agreed in October. The European Union needs to be consistent, decisive and credible, while at the same time claiming a leading role in matters affecting EU Member States.
The coming period will be crucial as to how the situation will evolve both in relation to the prospect of resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem, as well as with regard to the future of the European Union's relations with Turkey. At this critical juncture, Cyprus and Greece, as well as the vast majority of the Member States of the European Union, realizing the severity of the moment, have common approaches aimed at creating conditions that will enhance security, stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region of particular importance also from the EU point of view.
Given the developments and realizing the gravity of the moment, I firmly believe that this is not the time for public statements and declarations. The situation is critical. We all need to be serious and to act with consistency and determination in continuing the coordinated and targeted actions that Greece and Cyprus have been undertaking at all levels.
Dear Nikos,
I welcome you again to Cyprus, thank you for the excellent coordination and for your continuous support. I am convinced that the honest and open discussions on which our cooperation is founded will continue.
_______
[Photos ©PIO, Stavros Ioannides]