We seek EU leading role in efforts for Cyprus solution, President tells ERT

The solution of the Cyprus problem is a top priority of his administration, President Nikos Christodoulides said in an interview with the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) on Thursday evening, ahead of a visit he will pay Greece next week.

He stressed that it is of utmost importance for the Cypriot government to achieve the European Union’s participation in the efforts for a Cyprus solution. Meanwhile, he underlined that the current stalemate in the Cyprus problem is not viable nor beneficial for either Greek Cypriots or Turkish Cypriots.

"Our efforts are focused on developing a European initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem, always within the framework of the United Nations, because the solution we are seeking is a bizonal bicommunal federation. Any other solution is out of discussion," Christodoulides noted.

As he explained, his government's aim is for the EU to assume a leading role through the appointment of a political figure who will take initiatives for a Cyprus solution, always within the agreed framework of the United Nations. "The active involvement of the EU in the process could have a positive impact on a Cyprus solution," President Christodoulides said.

In this context, he noted that in the coming period, starting with his visit to Brussels on the 23rd of March, he will focus on achieving such an active EU engagement. This issue will also be discussed with the Greek Prime Minister during President Christodoulides' upcoming visit to Athens early next week. "My visit to Greece will not be only symbolic, but it will also have substantial content," the Cypriot President said.

At the same time, he expressed the view that the EU's engagement in such an effort would also benefit the Union itself, as it would upgrade both its geopolitical role and its energy goals to end its dependence on Russian gas.

"According to experts' estimates, the Eastern Mediterranean gas corridor can meet a significant percentage of the European Union's needs for the next 25 years. So, everyone has something to gain," President Christodoulides said.

Regarding Turkey, he noted that despite the fact that Turkey's accession process has been halted, there are open issues between Ankara and Brussels, such as the customs union and others. It is possible to include the Cyprus issue in the Euro-Turkish negotiations, Christodoulides said.

"The status quo can only get worse if the Cyprus problem is not resolved", the President of Cyprus pointed out, noting that active initiatives to resume negotiations should be taken even before the Turkish elections.

Asked about the possibility of Cyprus joining NATO, he noted that this is not on the table at the moment. He stressed, however, that Cyprus' orientation is firmly and clearly European and Western, adding that Nicosia wants to actively participate in initiatives to strengthen the EU's defence and security pillars.

With regard to the war in Ukraine, he reiterated that Cyprus unequivocally condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as any attempt to violate the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any country. "As a country that has suffered such a thing, we could not have a different attitude," Christodoulides said, stressing that "Cyprus is on the right side of history."

(Source: CNA)