Cyprus-Austria: EU must assume more active role in Cyprus

Cyprus and Austria have agreed that it is important the EU assumes a more active role in talks to resolve the Cyprus problem.

President Nikos Christodoulides met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna on 14 June, with the two issuing a joint communique saying they held an extensive discussion about the Cyprus issue, again stressing how any solution must be in line with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and EU law, values and principles.

They exchanged views on President Christodoulides’ proposal aimed at breaking the deadlock and resuming negotiations under UN auspices, it said. "They agreed on the importance of the EU assuming a more active role both at the current juncture for the resumption of negotiations, and at the negotiating table once negotiations resume," it added. "Cyprus is an EU member state, it is in the EU’s interest to ensure that reunified Cyprus will remain a viable and fully functional EU partner. EU membership constitutes the best guarantee for the security and prosperity of Cyprus and all its citizens."

President Christodoulides further welcomed the continued Austrian engagement through its long-standing participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

Besides the Cyprus problem, the two discussed bilateral ties and ways to further enhance the two countries’ already excellent relations; EU issues, with both agreeing how important the Union’s strategic autonomy is in enabling to fulfil its geostrategic role.

They also reaffirmed their unwavering support to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and the importance of continued EU support to the country, for as long as necessary.

On immigration, they stressed it was a major challenge that requires a European response addressing both the specific needs of member states, as well as the root causes of migratory flows.

(Photos: PIO)