Nicosia: A comprehensive Cyprus settlement remains a priority, EU spokesperson says. 'The EU priority remains unchanged, and it is to achieve a comprehensive, fair and lasting settlement for Cyprus,' European Commission spokesperson Maciej Berestecki highlighted during a briefing in Brussels.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Berestecki emphasized that the EU is firmly committed to the reunification of Cyprus, advocating for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. This commitment aligns with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and reflects EU principles, values, and legislation. He assured that Brussels is prepared to actively participate in this process, utilizing all available means and tools.
The EU spokesperson was responding to inquiries regarding the status of Cyprus talks following the UN Secretary-General's visit to the island and subsequent meetings with leaders of the two communities. Questions were raised about whether restrictions on activities in the Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus, such as the reported cancellation of a youth football training session by FC Barcelona, align with efforts to build confidence.
Berestecki refrained from commenting on specific meetings, instead reiterating the European Commission's established stance on Cyprus. He recalled that the Commission has appointed Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the Special Representative for Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third in 1974. Despite repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive, chiefly due to Turkish intransigence. The most recent negotiations, held in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, concluded without an agreement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, nearing the end of his term, announced plans to convene another meeting in a broader format after adequate preparation, though no timeline was provided. He obtained the consensus of both sides and the guarantor powers to move forward. Maria Angela Holguin, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, has been tasked with engaging the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, taking over from EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.