Day: September 9, 2022

France’s Foreign Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna has conveyed her country’s full support in the efforts to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. In the same context she expressed concern over the escalation of Turkish rhetoric which intensifies a climate of instability in the region.

Colonna was speaking with Cypriot Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides who concluded on Friday a working visit in Paris, a Foreign Affairs Ministry press release says.

“The two Ministers had the opportunity to review bilateral relations and look into practical ways of further deepening them in a wide range of areas such as education, trade, energy, security and defence,” the press release notes.

Kasoulides briefed Colonna on the way our side sees the next steps in the Cyprus problem and the efforts it is undertaking through the proposed confidence building measures in order to create conditions and prospects for the resumption of negotiations, it adds.

“In this context, the French Foreign Affairs Minister, reiterated her country’s full support for the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the agreed framework of a bicommunal, bizonal federation, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” it says.

In the same context, it continues, “she expressed concern over the escalation of Turkish rhetoric, which intensifies a climate of instability in the region.”

Kasoulides and Colonna also discussed the situation in Ukraine after the Russian invasion and the complications it has caused in the food and energy supply sectors. They exchanged views on the EU coordinated reaction, reviewing particular aspects of thematic packages of restrictive measures the EU had imposed on Russia.

Developments in Syria, Lebanon and Libya were also the focus of talks between the two FMs who evaluated the situation in the broader region and noted the importance of maintaining stability in the Middle Eastern region.

After their meeting they signed a bilateral agreement on the evacuation of French citizens from neighbouring to Cyprus crises regions. “An agreement which showcases the role Cyprus plays for EU countries,” the Ministry points out.

Kasoulides also had a meeting with Minister of Europe Laurence Boone with whom he discussed matters at the heart of the European agenda.

He returns to Cyprus on Saturday.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercise, entitled «CYP??-01/22», was carried on Friday within the Search and Rescue Region of the Republic of Cyprus, with the participation of SAR Units and Personnel from the Republic of Cyprus and Italy.

According to a press release by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), the Italian frigate «FRANSCESCO MIMBELLI», the OPV «IOANNIDES» and a helicopter from 460 SQN of National Guard participated in the Aeronautical SAR Exercise, while specialised registered nurses of the State Health Services participated in the exercise boarding the SAR units.

It is added that the exercise was conducted under the operational control and coordination of JRCC Larnaca, in close cooperation with the Italian Navy, and is part of a numerous exercises on SAR matters between assets of the Republic of Cyprus and the Italian Navy in 2022.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

EP President Roberta Metsola begins Friday an official visit to Cyprus, at the invitation of the President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades.

She will be welcomed at the Presidential Palace in the morning and will hold a tete-a-tete meeting with President Anastasiades followed by talks between delegations of the two sides.

Cyprus issue and Turkish provocations are on the agenda.

Metsola and Anastasiades will then make statements to the press.

Later EP President will meet House Speaker Annita Demetriou followed by an extraordinary session of the Plenary in the presence of President Anastasiades.

Around noon Metsola will be received by UN Special Representative Colin Stewart and then will attend an official lunch hosted by Annita Demetriou.

Her schedule also includes a meeting with Mayor of occupied Famagusta and participation in an event organized by the students of University of Cyprus and youth organizations.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus trade deficit for the period of January – July 2022 reached €4.46 billion, marking an annual increase of 41% compared with the respective period of last year, according to provisional data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat).

Total imports of goods (from EU Member States and from third countries) rose by 38.4% year on year reaching €6,700.1 mn compared with €4,84.2 mn in January – July 2021. Total exports of goods (to EU Member States and to third countries) in January – July 2022 amounted to €2,238.9 mn compared to €1,67.1 mn in the respective period of last year, registering an increase of 33.5%.

The trade deficit amounted to €4,461.2 mn in January – July 2022 compared to €3,165.1 mn in the corresponding period of 2021.

In July total imports of goods amounted to €1,027.4 mn as compared with €78.,3 mn in July 2021, recording an increase of 31.3%. Imports from other EU Member States in July 2022 were €595.4 mn and from third countries €432.1 mn, compared to €55.9 mn and €224.3 mn respectively in July 2021.

Imports in July 2022 included the transfer of economic ownership of mobile transport equipment (vessels and aircrafts), with total value of €100.7 mn as compared to €75.3 mn in July 2021.

Total exports of goods in July 2022 were €416.2 mn as compared to €352.1 mn in July 2021, recording an increase of 18.2%. Exports in July 2022 include the transfer of economic ownership of mobile transport equipment (vessels), with total value of €130.4 mn as compared to €121.1 mn in July 2021.

Total imports were €1,027.4 mn compared to €78.3 mn in July 2021, accelerating by an annual 31.3%, Cysat added. Imports in July 2022 included the transfer of economic ownership of mobile transport equipment (vessels and aircrafts), with total value of €100.7 mn compared to €75.3 mn in July 2021.

Furthermore, according to the final data on June 2022, total imports of goods (from EU Member States and from third countries) amounted to €1,199.6 mn in June 2022 compared to €765.7 mn in June 2021, recording an increase of 56.7%.

Exports of domestically produced products, including stores and provisions, in June 2022 were €138.0 mn compared with €145.5 mn in June 2021, recording a decrease of 5.2%. Domestic exports of industrial products in June 2022 were €128.5 mn compared to €138.2 mn in June 2021, whilst domestic exports of agricultural products in June 2022 amounted to €8.4 mn compared to €6.1 mn in June 2021.

Exports of foreign products, including stores and provisions, in June 2022 were €155.3 mn as compared to €151.1 mn in June 2021, recording an increase of 2.8%, Cystat added.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Story repeated to include in the 6th paragraph the full title of former Archbishop of America Demetrios)

The Independent Social Support Body (ISSB), has supported more than 3,000 students to pursue and complete their higher education studies during the seven years of its existence, Cyprus’ First Lady, Andri Anastasiades, said.

In her speech on Thursday evening at a charity dinner held by the ISSB, at the Presidential Palace, Anastasiades said that, since its establishment in 2015 to-date, the total amount of €3.6 million was collected and allocated to 3,100 students, who were able to continue and complete their studies. Through the operation of the agency, she said, they were given the opportunity to solve other problems that young people were facing.

The First Lady said that the Independent Social Support Body “was my own vision of contribution, to the most valuable part of our society, our young people, the future of our country, tomorrow’s leaders”. She said that, as she steps down as First Lady, at the end of February next year, her vision of “no student without a degree,” has become a reality.

The First Lady also said that it makes her “especially happy,” that the success of the ISSB’s institutionalisation “allows us to bequeath the contribution that we recorded with my colleagues” to each First Lady that will follow, with the hope that it will be embraced with the same love and commitment.

Anastasiades thanked the agency’s committee – the permanent secretaries of the Ministries of Labour, Education and Health and the Accountant General – chaired by the First Lady.

She also thanked all those who stood by the agency’s side, strengthening the effort with their small or large financial support and specifically mentioned the former Archbishop of America, Demetrios, whose financial support in the first steps of the ISSB, was decisive, as she said, for its successful course.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus Ministry of Defence has secured, through EU structural funds and in particular the Thalia Programme, €19 million to fund the installation of photovoltaic systems in National Guard camps, as part of its environmental and energy policy, pointing out that it is one of the largest and most energy-intensive organisations on the island.

The total capacity of these systems is estimated at approximately 12 MW, the Ministry said in a press release on Friday.

The project will start in early 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

The installation and operation of the photovoltaic systems is part of the general effort by the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will contribute 2.5% to the capacity of the photovoltaic systems that the Republic of Cyprus should install by 2030.

So far, the Ministry added, a system has been installed for the proper management of waste, for energy saving and for the reduction of environmental pollution in six army camps.

Measures have also been taken to reduce the generation of waste at military camps, as well as measures for the proper management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

The Defence Ministry, following a decision by the Cabinet, has entered into an agreement with the Electricity Authority for the replacement, with LED type lamps, of almost all energy-consuming external lighting lamps located in National Guard camps.

The first phase of the project has been completed with the replacement of 2,200 energy-consuming lamps in 14 camps, while by the end of the year the replacement of another 4,400 will begin.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus continues to rely upon the EU and the European Parliament in its efforts to reunify the country and end the unacceptable status quo, said the President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades in his statements following his meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, at the Presidential Palace on Friday.

“In order to have conditions for the resumption of negotiations Turkey should terminate its unilateral actions in violation of international law, which have been strongly condemned by the EU, either on the ground or in the sea”, he stressed.

On her part, Roberta Metsola said that Europe stands with Cyprus and will never be whole while Cyprus remains split.

“There can only be one Cyprus, a single, sovereign, European state, a bicommunal, bizonal federation in line with UN Security Council resolutions, a state where all inhabitants are EU citizens”, she stressed, while also commending President Anastasiades’ efforts for the resumption of a constructive dialogue between parties involved.

On the issue of migration, President Anastasiades said that the EU should develop a toolbox for swift and effective response in order to enhance member states’ resilience to this hybrid threat, while as regards Europe’s energy independence efforts, he stressed that the Eastern Mediterranean can provide a reliable alternative energy corridor and Cyprus stands ready to make its own contribution.

At the same time, both expressed their condolences to the British royal family and the British people on the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, September 8.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The forced division of an EU Member State, is not a Cyprus question, but a European question and we must respond to it together, the President of the European Parliament said addressing an extraordinary plenary session of Cyprus House of Representatives on Friday.

Metsola who is on an official visit in Cyprus said in her address that Europe must use its experience to bring people together, to ensure one Cyprus under the auspices of the UN plan for peace and in line with our shared European values.

“Let me be clear, the only way forward is for there to be a single sovereign, European, State. A bi-communal, bi-zonal federation in line with UN Security Council resolutions”, she said, adding that Europe will never be whole while Cyprus remains split.

Disruption of the status quo – as in Famagusta – seriously jeopardises efforts to restore confidence and for finding workable solutions, Metsola noted. “We must build trust. There can, and there must be a win-win outcome here, that creates trust between communities. Of this I am convinced – and all the resources of the European Parliament are at your disposal to make the steps towards progress, towards peace, towards reunification”.

She went on to say that the history of Cyprus reads as an example of resilience and that the sacrifices made by Cypriots, bring Cyprus on the path to growth, prosperity and sustainability, despite the difficult global winter coming. “The history of your people is indeed inspirational, but it is the future of this island nation that inspires more. And if Cypriots can teach the world anything, it is that the future is full of possibility”.

Regarding Ukraine, EP President said that Europe must keep supporting Ukraine, politically, with military aid, with logistic support and with hope and solidarity.

“The day Ukraine was granted EU candidate status was a day when Europe moved to give hope to a people under attack. We know what that means to people. We remember that day in 2004 when our countries finally joined and the impact this had on our societies”, she noted, adding that “It is time to move forward with Ukraine, with Moldova, with the Western Balkans – Georgia. It is time to move forward with our European project”.

She noted that EU can never be static and that is why the European Parliament wants a convention on the future of Europe.

Metsola also referred to the need to take decisions to deal with the challenges EU is facing today, since people are worried, due to inflation, causing spending power to plummet, electricity prices skyrocketing, food being less secure than it was six months ago. “Things we take for granted – driving cars, lighting our homes and running our industries, switching on our air conditioners and heaters will become more difficult”.

EP President also sent a message for “More Europe” as a solution to EU’s problems. As she said, more Europe is needed to address the energy crisis, by capping bills, fixing the pricing systems, or de-coupling the price of electricity from gas. She emphasized that Cyprus’ gas resources will play an important and strategic role in Europe’s energy solution.

She added that more Europe is also needed in order to face the security challenges, in order to improve the joint defence infrastructure, dealing with Russia or the increased tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Regarding migration, Metsola said that more Europe is necessary for a fair and humane comprehensive way forward on those seeking protection, firm with those who are not eligible and strong with those who traffickers who exploit some of the most vulnerable. “Cyprus will not be left alone to deal with any influxes”, she said.

More Europe is also what the EP President suggests to tackle climate change, to ensure democracy, rule of law, equality and liberty, to create a real health union, to create jobs, safeguard rights and for gender equality.

Finally, she said that “more Europe” means standing up for Europe, resisting the temptation to blame “Brussels” and to fight back against populism and misinformation. “We have to explain the benefits of Europe”, she said.

Welcoming her to the House of Representatives, House Presindet, Annita Demetriou, noted that Metsola is the youngest woman to be elected to this position and this gives a message of optimism for all women and young people for active participation.

“The cooperation of the European institutions, and in particular of the European Parliament, with the national parliaments is more important than ever, as the European Union is facing complex and dangerous security challenges, which require strong political will and solidarity”, Demetriou noted.

Referring to the EU’s stance on Ukraine, the President of the House said that “we stand firmly on the side of the Ukrainian people, who are fighting not only for the defence of their country, but for the defence of European principles and values”, adding that the Cypriot people fully understand the pain of the Ukrainian people, “since our own wounds are still fresh, as a result of Turkey’s flagrant violation of the same principles”.

This is why Cyprus, she said, despite the significant cost, fully aligned with the decisions of the European Union to impose restrictive measures against Russia. She emphasized, however, that at the same time “it is outrageous that Turkey refuses to implement collective decisions, undermining the sanctions and reaping significant benefits at the expense of the Union and Cyprus, while simultaneously claiming and being recognized as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine”.

She called for even stronger EU diplomatic mobilization to end the war and restore international law and European principles and values in Ukraine, Europe and the whole world.

Furthermore, Demetriou set the question why Cyprus does not receive the same support from the international community and why Turkey is additionally allowed to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, while flagrantly violating international law, human rights and the rule of law.

As she said, the similarities between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus are obvious and should be treated in the same way by European partners and the international community. “Revisionism and expansionism cannot be treated differently. Therefore, we expect the same sensitivity and determination in relation to Cyprus and we are sure that we can count on your support”, she said.

Demetriou pointed out that forty-eight years of occupation are too many. “The unacceptable claims of the Turkish side for a “two-state” solution and Turkey’s strategies for the creation of new fait-accompli, both in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus and on land, including the closed area of Famagusta in violation of Resolutions 550 and 789 of the UN Security Council, but also through the further militarization of the occupied territories, will never be accepted”. That is why, “we expect the European Parliament, as the cornerstone of EU’s democratic legitimacy and the guardian of European principles and values, to apply the general principle of conditionality also for the candidate countries to safeguard the common principles us and values”.

She thanked EP President for her special reference to Cyprus in her first speech as President of the European Parliament and for her determination to contribute to finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

As she said, “we remain committed to the goal of resuming talks within the parameters of the United Nations, with the aim of finding a just and sustainable solution, in accordance with international law, the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and European principles and values”, adding that “this commitment of ours is also reflected in the confidence-building measures proposed by the President of the Republic, with the aim of creating an appropriate climate for the resumption of peace talks. Unfortunately, the Turkish side has rejected them from the beginning without even discussing them”.

Finally, she noted that Cypriots consider that the future of Cyprus is inextricably linked with the future of the European Union and are ready to contribute substantially in the energy autonomy and security of the European Union, through the exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits in the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.

Varosha, the fenced off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, is often described as a ‘ghost town’.

UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. UN Security Council resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.

The Turkish Cypriot leadership announced in July 2021 a partial lifting of the military status in Varosha. A few months earlier, on October 8, 2020, the Turkish side opened part of the fenced area of Varosha, following an announcement made in Ankara on October 6. The UN Security Council called for the reversal of this course of action, while the UN Secretary General, in his latest report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus, reiterated his concern over developments in the fenced-off area, noting that the position of the UN on Varosha remains unchanged. The EU also expressed grave concern.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus continues to rely upon the EU and the European Parliament in its efforts to reunify the country and end the unacceptable status quo, said the President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades in his statements following his meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, at the Presidential Palace on Friday.

On her part, Metsola said that Europe stands with Cyprus and will never be whole while Cyprus remains split. Referring to natural gas discoveries in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the EP President said Cyprus can be a key strategic partner for the EU in diversifying its energy mix.

“In order to have conditions for the resumption of negotiations, Turkey should terminate its unilateral actions in violation of international law, which have been strongly condemned by the EU, either on the ground or in the sea”, President Anastasiades stressed.

Regarding the current state of play of the Cyprus problem, President Anastasiades said that regrettably there is still a stalemate, given both the rejection by the Turkish side for the appointment of an UN envoy and the insistence on a two-state solution, a position which has time and again been dismissed by the UN and the EU as it deviates from the established basis of reaching a settlement that would reunify Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation and set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in the light of the EU principles and values.

President Anastasiades added that “we will continue to tirelessly work and assume initiatives to provide a way out of the current impasse. In this framework I outlined my proposal for the adoption of bold Confidence Building Measures which on the one hand address important concerns of the Turkish Cypriot community and on the other hand have the potential to be a game-changer in pursuit of a comprehensive settlement.”

“There can only be one Cyprus, a single, sovereign, European state, a bicommunal, bizonal federation in line with UN Security Council resolutions, a state where all inhabitants are EU citizens”, Metsola stressed in her statements, adding that the time is now to inject some new energy into these negotiations.

“What we need is to restore trust, and recent provocative actions, repeatedly condemned by the EU, will only jeopardize the efforts to resume direct talks. Famagusta should become an example of bi-communal cooperation, instead of a point of contention. A win-win is possible, and the European Parliament will be there to put all of our resources to your disposal”, she added, while also commending President Anastasiades’ efforts for the resumption of a constructive dialogue between parties involved.

On the issue of migration, President Anastasiades said that Cyprus has been the EU Member State with the highest percentage of first-time asylum applications in relation to its population for five consecutive years and the one not being benefited by substantial relocation measures so far.

At the same time, he said, the growing percentage of migrants compared to the local population causes serious concern since the proportion of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection in Cyprus corresponds to over 5% of the country’s population.

“This instrumentalisation of migration which is guided by Turkey and its non-compliance with the 2016 declaration, constitutes a conscious effort to destabilize Cyprus and consequently the EU. Therefore, we are of the strong view that the EU should develop a toolbox for the swift and effective response in order to enhance Member States resilience to this hybrid threat”, he stressed.

As regards energy, President Anastasiades reiterated Cyprus’ support for the REPowerEU initiative, as well as the external energy strategy, since it is expected to strengthen the energy autonomy of the EU, help to deal with electricity prices and give impetus to the energy transition, while adding that member state specificities need to be taken into account as an important factor, in the case of Cyprus due to its isolated energy system.

Referring also to the need to push for Europe’s energy independence in this rapidly changing geopolitical environment, the President stressed that the Eastern Mediterranean can provide a reliable alternative energy corridor and Cyprus stands ready to make its own contribution.

Commenting on the increasing cost of living and inflation as a result of price hikes on energy and food at previously unheard levels, Metsola said that “we can take actions together to limit the impact, whether it is capping of bills, fixing our pricing systems or de-coupling the price of electricity from gas, these are things that we can do now, even temporarily, to offset the immediate pressures while we implement long term strategies. This is what people expect from us and that is what we must deliver. But we can only do this if we do it together.”

Concerning the latest developments regarding the continuous assault of Russia on Ukraine, President Anastasiades said that Cypriots fully understand the tragedy that the Ukrainian people are facing, as they have also been victims of the illegal Turkish invasion, which resulted in the division of the island and, since 1974, the ongoing military occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic and the forcible displacement of a third of its population from their homes.

“Our position has always been resolute and unanimous within the EU. The sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of all States, including of course Ukraine and Cyprus, should be respected”, he stressed, adding that unfortunately, joint efforts are hampered by partner countries, which provide Russia with “sanctions evading abilities.” “It is our firm belief that all countries aspiring to join our European family should fully respect our fundamental values and principles”, he added.

Replying to a question on when will the EU be taking sanctions against Turkey, as it has taken against Russia, given its violations of international law in Cyprus, with one recent example being that of Famagusta, the President of the European Parliament said that “with regard to the sanctions we have been extremely clear that those countries, especially those countries that have been aspiring to come closer to the EU, not only need to stand by the sanctions adopted against Russian in the context of the illegal invasion of Ukraine but also enforce them and not allow for their abuse, not allow for loopholes. That can cause disruption to the effectiveness of those sanctions.”

“The district of Varosha, and the city of Famagusta is a symbol for the Cyprus issue, it represents the prospects of a peaceful solution. The latest actions taken at the coastal area jeopardise the efforts to resume direct talks for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem”, she underlined.

Metsola added that she represents the European Parliament, an institution that has repeatedly condemned the fact that Turkey continues to violate the UN Security Council resolutions on Famagusta and to this end she supports a prompt return of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants. “We will continue to insist on this position and will also continue to insist that any country that would use the most vulnerable people on the planet for perceiving geopolitical games is something that is not acceptable for the EU and something that is not acceptable anywhere in Europe.”

Asked if the EU examines the issue of exploitation of natural gas from Cyprus given also the recent discoveries in its EEZ, Metsola said that “the 24th of February sounded an alarm bell that we should have heard earlier and what we know now and we should have acted earlier on is that Putin did not stop in 2008, and did not stop in 2015 and he will definitely not stop now.”

“At the same time, we have been dependent, some countries more than others, on a cheap gas supply which we took for granted. We had the opportunity to create a proper Energy Union, we had the opportunity to make EU states more interdependent, we had the opportunity to identify ways to become energy independent by depending on our friends rather than on our foes”, she continued, adding that the recent discoveries also show that Cyprus can be not only independent in this regard but also a key strategic partner and key strategic ally for the EU in diversifying its energy mix.

“That is something that we need to continue looking at, that is something that we need to continue investing in and that is also allowing us to look at different partners, third countries, that we can continue to cooperate within the light of the ongoing aggression, but also in the future because our strategic autonomy means also that we need to look at it from an energy perspective”, she added.

The President of the European Parliament also referred to the plan of the EU to continue to invest in renewable energy. “Our ambitions should not be scaled back. We should continue to look on how we can diversify and uncouple ourselves, especially in the current context of the war, from fossil fuels”, she said, adding that in this case some countries are already quite advanced and some countries need to do more.

“In this regard we as the European Parliament are calling also for a more effective negotiation of our legislation on renewable energy, on the competitive advantage that we could have economically in our member states, in order to invest and not lose that advantage with regard to other countries”, she concluded.

It is noted that both the President of the Republic and the President of the European Parliament expressed their condolences to the British royal family and the British people on the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, September 8.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.

Varosha, the fenced off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, is often described as a ‘ghost town’.

UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. UN Security Council resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.

The Turkish Cypriot leadership announced in July 2021 a partial lifting of the military status in Varosha. A few months earlier, on October 8, 2020, the Turkish side opened part of the fenced area of Varosha, following an announcement made in Ankara on October 6. The UN Security Council called for the reversal of this course of action, while the UN Secretary General, in his latest report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus, reiterated his concern over developments in the fenced-off area, noting that the position of the UN on Varosha remains unchanged. The EU also expressed grave concern.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, expressed on Friday the institution’s clear position for the return of the lawful inhabitants of Varosha to their homes, following a meeting with House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou.

Metsola, who is paying Cyprus an official visit, said that the meeting with Demetriou covered a wide range of topics, from the energy crisis, the rising cost of living in Europe and the war in Ukraine, to the latest issues related to the Cyprus problem, reiterating the European Parliament’s solidarity to Cyprus and urging for negotiations to resume promptly.

Responding to a journalist’s question regarding the EP’s intentions to support Cyprus the same way the it has supported Ukraine, following the Russian invasion, Metsola said that the EP “has repeatedly condemned the fact the Turkey continues to violate the EU Security Council resolutions on Famagusta” and reassured of the institution’s support for “the prompt return of Vasosha to its lawful inhabitants”. She added that “the district of Varosha, the city of Famagusta is a symbol for the Cyprus issue, but also of a European issue and that I want to emphasise, because it represents the prospect of a peaceful solution.”

Regarding the presence of EU representatives in the Cyprus reunification talks, Metsola said that “we have always pushed for conflicts to end and we want people to come around the table and push for a solution that can be agreed by both sides, so if that means that, beside UN representatives there are also EU representatives, this is something that the EP will always accept.”

She also noted that countries that aspire to join the EU, even in this case (Turkey’s) where accession negotiations are frozen, the EU demands need to be continued and “sanctions are to be imposed and enforced by everyone”. She also stressed that “in the EU Parliament we have to ensure that there is no abuse or gaps in that regard,” or that the most vulnerable people on the planet “are not used for some sort of self-pursued geopolitical strategy”.

The President of the EP also spoke of the need for the EU to tackle the increasing migration flows as a pan-European issue, by supporting member states and Cyprus in particular. “I am genuinely concerned with the recent rise in the number of asylum seekers, refugees and irregular migrants, particularly compared to the size of the population,” she said and added that “migration remains one of our greatest challenges and for far too long it has been apparent that member states cannot carry or address this challenge alone.” She noted, that there can be no quick fix on migration, but expressed the belief that solutions can be found, if there is political will.

She also appeared optimistic as regards the recent signing of the “road map with five EU presidencies, with the aim to conclude in negotiations on migration files, before the end of our legislative period in 2024.” She said that, concerning the challenges, this is ambitious, but it is possible, and more importantly that is what the citizens want from the EP.

Replying to a question about Turkey’s role in the increasing migration flows in the Republic of Cyprus, Metsola said that “we have seen similar intimidating tactics in other parts and in the EU we call them hybrid threats, we call them abuse of the most vulnerable people on the planet”. She then stressed that “our institutions and our political reality and statements and decisions have to make sure that we address them”. Also, she said that the EP welcomed the “historic memorandum that was signed between the European Commission and the Republic of Cyprus, specifically to address the migration issue”.

International law should apply with no exceptions, Demetriou says

——————————————–

House President, Annita Demetriou, on her part, said that during the meeting with Metsola they talked of the need for European values to apply in the case of Cyprus and the international law to apply with no exceptions to do with interests which undermine it. Demetriou also noted that Metsola agreed that the Cyprus problem is an “open wound” for Europe and that as the EP President she will strive to have “a more decisive and active role”.

Demetriou also expressed the belief that “enhancing further cooperation between the EP and national parliaments is an important factor in strengthening people’s trust in European institutions and the EU”. She also informed Metsola about a joint initiative with the president of the German parliament, for further cooperation between women parliament presidents in the EU. Respectively, Metsola informed the House President about the upcoming meeting of women parliament presidents in Brussels in October, following the initiative of the Polish parliament president, for cooperation about the consequences of the Ukraine war.

Demetriou appeared certain that Metsola’s official visit in Cyprus will be the beginning of “a closer cooperation, towards building a Europe for tomorrow and the future we want to offer to us and to our children.” She also said the Metsola’s election as the EP President is a “resounding and optimistic message for all women and young people who wish to be actively involved in politics.”

After attending a special plenary meeting at the House of Representatives, in the presence of President Anastasiades, Demetriou and Metsola visited the green line and the barricades, so that the EP President could witness in person the effect of the 48-year long occupation of Cyprus, as Demetriou said.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. A non-established state. Explain it was unilaterally declared in November 1983 and the UN describe it as “legally invalid” and no country except Turkey recognises it. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: Cyprus News Agency