Germany stands firmly by Cyprus’ side as regards the Cyprus issue FM Annalena Baerbock said on Monday, following talks with her counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides in Berlin, in the framework of a working visit.
She said that the UN decisions are the basis for dialogue, adding that Turkey’s stance for a two-state solution or any unilateral actions on her behalf, are not acceptable.
Kasoulides said in his statements that the creation of conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus Problem, on the basis of the UN resolutions, was and remains the government’s absolute political priority.
He added that he informed Minister Baerbock on efforts to regain the lost trust between the two sides, as well as about the need for a new initiative by the UN Secretary- General.
“Unfortunately, all efforts are blocked by Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriot leadership, who have prioritized upgrading the separatist entity in the occupied territories and securing equal international status”, he said.
Kasoulides also said that he informed his counterpart about Turkey’s provocations against the Republic of Cyprus in Varosha and the buffer zone, “which are aimed at trying to create new faits accomplish.”
“I personally thanked Minister Baerbock for Germany’s support in the goal of the reunification of Cyprus as well as the efforts to prevent illegal Turkish actions”, Kasoulides added.
He described the meeting as fruitful noting that they had the the opportunity to confirm their common will to further promote the friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Germany.
In her statements, the German Foreign Minister, said that there is no question for them of a two-state solution in Cyprus.
She added that one cannot choose one’s neighbors and that is why it is good to be ready for a constructive relationship and this relationship is particularly useful for the coming months.
“But we expect the same from other parties, of course. We will do everything we can for a de-escalation and you should count on our solidarity within the EU”, she said.
According to Baerbock, Cyprus is giving indications that it is ready for dialogue, adding that it has been made clear to the Turkish side that the dialogue must be within the framework of the UN and unilateral actions from the Turkish side are not tolerated.
Kasoulides in his statements also noted that at this critical international juncture precisely, at a time when the foundations of international relations and our value system are being shaken, it is necessary to hold a targeted and meaningful dialogue at the bilateral and multilateral level.
He said that they discussed bilateral relations and ways to further deepen cooperation in various fields, especially in the fields of defense and security noting that Cyprus and Germany have recently signed the first cooperation protocol, which lays the foundations for the creation of a mutually beneficial relationship.
“We exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine following the Russian invasion, assessing the EU’s coordinated response, but also the complications created at global level in the area of energy supply and, the food crisis”, Cyprus FM said.
He noted that he reiterated the need to preserve the unity of the EU, but also the importance of continuing our support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, without exception.
As regards migration, Kasoulides said that he thanked Germany for its constructive approach to efforts to find European solutions, but also for their bilateral cooperation and the assistance provided to Cyprus through EASO.
Baerbock acknowledged that Cyprus is currently carrying a very heavy burden saying that in 2022 Cyprus had 120,000 asylum applications, which compared to the German population, would be as if the latter had 1.5 million asylum requests.
She referred to the cooperation protocol on migration and efforts by Germany to support minors arriving in Berlin.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. The latest round of peace talks under the UN aegis took place in the summer of 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana, but failed to yield any results.
Source: Cyprus News Agency