Luxembourg: The EU is not and cannot be a passive observer in this escalating situation in the Middle East, has to remain in the forefront and has got to lead the way in de-escalation, Cyprus Deputy Minister for EU Affairs Marilena Raouna said on Tuesday. She made the statements before the EU General Affairs Council, in Luxembourg, the last of the Polish Presidency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Raouna said that we are experiencing a rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East that is concerning, adding that the issue is high on the agenda of the Council. “Cyprus is next door to this crisis and we understand how high the stakes are, both for the region but also for the European Union, because this is the European Union’s neighbourhood,” she said.
The Deputy Minister condemned the attack against the Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus and called on the Syrian authorities to effectively investigate, hold those responsible accountable, and effectively protect religious and other minorities in the country. “Now is the time for active diplomacy and intense dialogue. This can only be the way forward,” she said.
Raouna recalled that Cyprus, given its proximity to the region, has been engaging actively at all levels, adding that President Christodoulides and the Foreign Minister have been in constant communication with all international partners, regional partners, and European counterparts, calling for de-escalation, restraint, and diplomacy to prevail.
Referring to the issues of security and defence on the agenda, she said that Cyprus has been a steadfast supporter of enhancing the European defence industry and of strengthening capabilities. “This is key for our strategic autonomy and for a more sovereign European Union. At the same time, this has got to benefit the European industry as such. And any limited participation by third country entities have got to be from like-minded partners and also from partners that respect the security and defence interests of the EU and all its member states,” she said.