Brussels: 'The EU wishes to have a presence and an active role in the UN Secretary-General's initiative on the Cyprus issue at all stages,' government sources said following the meeting between the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the President of the European Council, Ant³nio Costa, on Thursday afternoon in Brussels. The meeting directly linked progress on EU-Turkey issues with parallel developments on the Cyprus issue. A European source told CNA that President Costa emphasized the multifaceted considerations in play, given Turkey's status as a candidate country for EU accession, highlighting criteria such as the rule of law and the economy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, government sources indicated that during her visit to Brussels, the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, will also meet with Costa. The discussions included commendations from President Costa to President Christodoulides for the Cypriot Presidency's performance during its tenure in the Council of the EU, emphasizing the high level of cooperation and the significant progress on longstanding, complex issues.
The Cypriot Presidency was praised for its achievements on politically important matters, with President Christodoulides expressing gratitude for Costa's support and cooperation. He underscored the Cypriot Presidency's mission-oriented approach, which reflected the Republic of Cyprus's institutional credibility at the European level.
According to the government source, there is an understanding from the EU that the EU-Turkey agenda is intertwined with the Cyprus issue and Turkey's obligations towards Cyprus and the EU. President Costa made clear that progress on EU-Turkey issues is contingent upon corresponding progress on the Cyprus issue. The EU supports the UN Secretary-General's initiative and desires substantial progress on the Cyprus issue, with an active EU role at all stages, adhering to UN Security Council resolutions.
The Turkish side has shown interest in the EU-Turkey agenda, particularly on issues like the Customs Union, visa liberalisation, and SAFE. The EU acquis is pivotal in the process, acting as a catalyst for progress on substantive issues. The EU aims to be present and actively involved from the start, leveraging its institutional framework to facilitate the process.
A European source confirmed the positive atmosphere of the meeting, with President Costa acknowledging broader criteria due to Turkey's candidacy status and confirming his communications with UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres regarding the Cyprus issue.
The meeting's agenda included President Costa's congratulations to President Christodoulides on the 'successful Cyprus Presidency,' acknowledging progress amid a challenging political environment. The European Council's agenda also featured discussions on the Presidency review and the 'One Europe, One Market' plan.