President Christodoulides to hold telephone conversation with von der Leyen

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, will have a telephone conversation with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding various issues, including the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus to serve as a humanitarian aid via a sea corridor from Cyprus, said Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

In his regular briefing on 3 November, the Spokesman said that the President of the Republic will also inform the President of the European Commission about the efforts made by the government to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue from where they were interrupted.

During the phone conversation, which is taking place at the initiative of the President of the European Commission, Letymbiotis said, "The situation in our region as it develops will be discussed, as well as the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus to create a sea humanitarian corridor to Gaza, for the uninterrupted, safe, and continuous provision of humanitarian aid".

He recalled that President Christodoulides presented details of the initiative at both the EU level, within the framework of the recent European Council, and to leaders of countries directly interested in the region. The Foreign Minister also conducts relevant contacts during his visit to Jordan and Palestine at the beginning of the week and yesterday in Germany.

Furthermore, President Christodoulides will elaborate on the aspects and parameters of the initiative as it is being shaped, emphasizing at the same time the importance of cooperation between states and international organizations and the collective assumption of responsibilities, the Government Spokesperson added.

He will also provide updates on the contacts that the Republic of Cyprus is making, as well as the upcoming actions to further promote the initiative, which is generally welcomed and can significantly contribute to addressing the humanitarian crisis. The Spokesman said "Our partners acknowledge our country's geographical position and the depth of our relations with the countries in the region. The credibility and consistency of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as its status as an EU member state, provide a guarantee for the implementation of this effort," he emphasised.

As a state that is an integral part of the region, Letymbiotis added, the initiative represents active diplomacy that demonstrates and highlights the significant role and active involvement that our country can play in the region and in the current crisis.

President Christodoulides will also raise the issue of migration with the President of the European Commission, as a potential further escalation of the crisis could lead to increased migration flows to the country.

He noted that the "effective management of migration in recent months in our country, with a 50% reduction in arrivals and a 50% increase in returns", is considered a priority for the government to safeguard.

Letymbiotis added that the Republic of Cyprus is taking preventive measures and actions in case of new migration flows, to respond promptly and effectively. 

On the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic will inform the President of the Commission on the government's efforts to resume negotiations from where they were interrupted, Letymbiotis went on.

He said our efforts concentrate on the appointment of an envoy on the part of the UN, to create conditions that will lead to the resumption of negotiations. President Christodoulides, said the Spokesman, will inform von der Leyen on the positive response of the Cyprus government to the appointment of a specific individual by him, while we have no official information from the Turkish side until now.

"President Christodoulides will reaffirm the government's commitment to the resumption of negotiations with a view to the final settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the agreed framework, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, and will reiterate the active role that the EU can play, especially in light of the discussion at the European Council in December on EU-Turkey relations", he added.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Varosha, the fenced off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, is often described as a ‘ghost town’.

(Source: CNA)