Nicosia: Cyprus welcomes the US mediation efforts for lasting peace, in accordance with international law and the will of Ukraine, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis told CNA on Tuesday, noting Nicosia’s ‘steadfast support for Ukraine’.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis emphasized that Cyprus’s position, which will be conveyed by the EU institutions and other participants, is its consistent support for Ukraine. He highlighted that Cyprus has been experiencing the occupation of a large part of its territory for 51 years following the illegal Turkish invasion, making it empathetic to Ukraine’s situation.
In this context, Letymbiotis stressed that Cyprus stands for the respect of the UN Charter and the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of all states. He added that Cyprus welcomes the US’s efforts towards achieving lasting peace, in line with international law and Ukraine’s will. The purpose of the videoconference of the states participating in the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ is for coordination ahead of Friday’s meeting between the US and Russian Presidents on Ukraine.
The Spokesperson also mentioned Monday’s joint statement by the bloc’s leaders, welcoming President Trump’s efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine. He underlined Ukraine’s inherent right to determine its own future.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Despite repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks, no agreement has been reached. The latest negotiations, held in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended without conclusion.