Nicosia: The European Union has expressed its readiness to facilitate a resolution to the longstanding Cyprus issue, focusing on bolstering relations with Turkey as a means to achieve this goal. This was articulated by European Council President Antonio Costa during a joint press conference with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia. Costa emphasized the necessity of a "united Europe needing a reunified Cyprus," underscoring the EU's support for United Nations-led dialogue efforts aimed at resolving the Cyprus problem.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides highlighted the pivotal role the EU could play in resolving the Cyprus issue, leveraging its unique tools and the EU acquis to address remaining differences. He expressed his willingness to resume negotiations and called for a broader conference to announce the continuation of talks, emphasizing that all parties would be evaluated based on their political will at the negotiating table.
During discussions, President Christodoulides also expressed Cyprus's aspirations for full integration into the Schengen area and addressed several regional and international issues, including the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework, Ukraine, enlargement, and migration. The Middle East was also a topic of discussion, with Cyprus reaffirming its commitment to strengthening EU relations in the region, a gesture appreciated by Costa.
Antonio Costa reiterated the EU's commitment to advancing progress on the Cyprus issue in alignment with United Nations Security Council resolutions. He noted the appointment of Commissioner Raffaele Fitto as Special Representative for Cyprus as part of this commitment. Costa stressed the importance of unity and collective progress in the face of shifting geopolitical landscapes, expressing confidence in Cyprus's constructive role in shaping the EU's future.
President Christodoulides conveyed gratitude for Costa's personal engagement, emphasizing the Cyprus issue as a European concern where the EU can significantly contribute towards a solution. He reiterated Cyprus's readiness for Schengen area accession and the importance of the European acquis in resolving issues of divergence.
On Turkey's stance regarding the Cyprus issue, Christodoulides emphasized the need for all parties, including Turkey, to demonstrate political will at the negotiating table. He called for an expanded conference under the UN Secretary-General's leadership to resume talks, highlighting the historical joint letter by the EU Council and Commission Presidents to the UN Secretary-General as a framework for resolution.
Costa highlighted the EU's commitment to Cyprus's reunification and the strengthening of EU-Turkey relations as a significant contribution towards resolving the Cyprus problem. He also pointed to the ongoing development of the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework, emphasizing Cyprus's strategic role due to its geopolitical position. Costa underscored the necessity of a budget addressing common priorities like defence, security, and strategic resilience.
The discussions also touched on the importance of maintaining support for EU regions and citizens, with Costa advocating for a balanced and ambitious package of new resources to fund the EU's budget. He acknowledged Cyprus's pivotal role in regional security, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
Concluding their meeting, Costa and Christodoulides discussed upcoming initiatives, including a summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council and efforts to strengthen ties with the Middle East. Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to a unified Cyprus, stressing the need for collective European action to address current challenges and build a stronger, united Europe.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third, with numerous UN-led peace talks failing to yield results. The latest negotiations in 2017 ended without resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed convening a broader meeting after adequate preparation, with the consensus of all involved parties, to further address the issue.