Nicosia: Nicosia is in touch with participants at the NATO summit for information purposes but also for the possibility of reiterating the key positions in regard with the Republic of Cyprus' interests, Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos told MPs on Tuesday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, together with Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, Kombos briefed the new parliamentary committee on foreign and European affairs about the Republic of Cyprus' foreign policy as well as the results of the Cyprus EU Council Presidency during the first half of this year. Despite not being a participant in the NATO summit taking place in Ankara, the Republic of Cyprus is making efforts to ensure its interests are communicated and understood by those attending.
"What we have done, is that have previously been in touch with participants and even today there will be contacts, so that we may be able to put forward again and reiterate key positions to do with the Republic of Cyprus' interests but also for reasons of being generally informed as to what will take place," Kombos noted. He emphasized that while the government is closely monitoring the discussions, Cyprus remains on the outside due to its non-participation.
Kombos pointed out that the government will evaluate all outcomes as more detailed information becomes available. When questioned about UN Secretary General's personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin's next visit to Cyprus, Kombos mentioned that some changes have occurred from the initial announcement, and discussions have taken place for reasons of substance, but he could not publicly disclose more details.
During his address to MPs, the Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted efforts to expand Cyprus' diplomatic footprint. He affirmed that the Republic of Cyprus' position on the role of the EU in the Cyprus issue is clear and acknowledged by both the EU and references in the draft reports of the UN Secretary-General released this week.
Regarding Turkey's obligations related to Cyprus, Kombos stated that Nicosia is politically willing to discuss these matters, but it ultimately depends on Turkey's cooperation for activity in the Cyprus issue.
Kombos also addressed questions about Cyprus' inclusion in the US visa waiver program, noting that the technical evaluation concluded in May last year with a rejection rate of 2.55%, the fourth-best result among candidate countries. However, he mentioned the US government's concerns about migration policy impacts have led to a freeze on the program, though efforts to engage with the State Department continue.
On the topic of the arms embargo against Cyprus, Kombos explained that two bills are pending before US legislative bodies, proposing a three-year and a five-year lift of the embargo. Regarding Cyprus' accession to Schengen, Kombos stated that the matter is expected to be addressed by the College of Commissioners this week before going to the Council for a decision.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have repeatedly failed to achieve results due to Turkish intransigence, with the latest negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ending inconclusively. Informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus, have set the stage for a new meeting in a broader format as the term of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end, with Mara Angela Holgun tasked to engage with the parties.