Nicosia: There is no room for oscillation in foreign policy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos said on Sunday, stressing that Cyprus is on the right side of history and that this stance strengthens Cyprus’ efforts for a settlement to the Cyprus problem, which ‘remains an existential issue for us.’
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos evaluated Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides’ meeting with US President Joe Biden in the White House, noting that this meeting constitutes ‘the culmination of our clear political choice to further develop the strategic nature of our relations with the USA.’ Kombos described the meeting in the Oval Office as ‘a historic moment, a success by the President of the Republic.’
He said that consistent work preceded this meeting, adding that ‘the stability and credibility of Cyprus as a partner in the region, especially at this juncture, is fully acknowledged by Washington.’ ‘Conversely, our foreign policy’s unwavering aim is to produce tangible results and deliver
ables in the coming period, in the context of the Strategic Dialogue and the multilayered cooperation between our two countries,’ Kombos added.
Asked about his evaluation of the meeting, Kombos highlighted ‘the US recognition of the role Cyprus plays in the region, a region of particular geopolitical significance.’ ‘Our strategy is yielding results and is recognized. It is clear that no swaying fits in foreign policy. Our orientation is clear, we are on the right side of history and our stance strengthens the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, which is existential for us, and this was the direction set by President Christodoulides since the first day in office,’ he said.
Responding to a question, Kombos highlighted the significance of the official reiteration of the clear position from the part of the US regarding the framework for a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Security Council Resolutions, following the tripartite informal meeting hosted by t
he UN Secretary-General and amid deliberations for the next steps regarding the Cyprus problem.
On the Cyprus problem, the Foreign Minister said the UN should appoint the person who will undertake to prepare the next steps, who seems to be Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. ‘Our position is that we need to proceed as soon as possible to the next steps. In any case, Guterres suggested a meeting in broader format which we have accepted and we believe it should have a five-party format,’ he said, adding that this view is also shared by Britain.
He also recalled that this was made absolutely clear during President Christodoulides’ visit in London, one day before the informal dinner in New York. With regard to the European Commission’s progress report on Turkey, Kombos said the new important element in this year’s report was the reference to a phased proportionate and reversible EU engagement with Turkey, as decided by the European Council in April 2024.
He also h
ighlighted the reference that ‘it is important that Trkiye reaffirms its commitment to the UN-led settlement talks on Cyprus in line with the relevant UNSC Resolutions, including their external aspects. No unilateral actions should be taken that could raise tensions on the island and prevent the resumption of talks.’
Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively.