A new draft of the conclusions of the next European Council contains more details in its paragraph regarding Cyprus, but does not contain a reference to the prospect of sending an EU envoy, the Cyprus News Agency learns, as discussions on the final draft are ongoing.
The relevant paragraph in the new draft states that: 'Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. The European Union will continue to play an active role in supporting the UN negotiation process'.
The negotiations on the overall text of the conclusions of the European Council, which will be held on the 29th and 30th of June in Brussels, will continue on Monday in discussions among the permanent representatives of the member states.
Meanwhile, an EU official that briefed the press in Brussels ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, when asked to comment whether the proposal for appointing an envoy for the Cyprus problem is being discussed, said that President Christodoulides, who was also very active as a Foreign Minister in the FAC, has put forward this suggestion that the High Representative is considering.
He added that what is needed is a UN iniative as the UN has been dealing with the Cyprus Problem for decades and it is the UNSG who is in the driving seat of the process. The EU, he continued, wants to cooperate in this moderation efforts, but the issue concerns the UN.
Responding to a question on why issues related to Turkey would not be discussed during the next FAC despite the fact that this was the initial plan, the official said that it has been decided that this discussion should take place in July as the member states are assessing the behaviour of President Erdogan after his re-election.
Source: Cyprus News Agency