Nicosia: The invitation extended by the President of the United States to the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, for the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in the Gaza Board of Peace does not entail any financial obligations or the payment of any amount by the Republic of Cyprus, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Sunday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis stated that the President of the Republic of Cyprus received an official letter of invitation from the President of the United States for Cyprus to participate in the Gaza Board of Peace, while emphasizing that Cyprus' role in the Middle East region is being recognized. He noted that interpretations of this recognition depend on individual judgment and political perception of Cyprus' international standing.
The Spokesman added that the Republic of Cyprus is evaluating the invitation with seriousness, institutional responsibility, and full awareness of its role and capabilities, and will respond officially after completing this process.
Addressing claims about alleged financial obligations related to participation in the Board, Letymbiotis confirmed that these claims do not align with the reality of the invitation. He clarified that the invitation is for a three-year membership, with the possibility of renewal upon a new invitation, and does not involve any financial commitments from Cyprus.
Letymbiotis further explained that references to different legal regimes or options for permanent legal status are unrelated to the invitation received by Cyprus. He stressed that any connection of Cyprus to such claims is baseless and misleading.
Additionally, he highlighted that the invitation from the United States explicitly acknowledges Cyprus' role in the Middle East region, affirming the country's growing international stature as a reliable and responsible actor for peace and cooperation.
Letymbiotis also mentioned that Cyprus approaches such initiatives based on its capacity to contribute to regional stability and peace processes, as demonstrated at the international Gaza conference in Egypt, where Cyprus presented concrete proposals to support the peace plan.
In conclusion, he noted that the evaluation of the proposal is already underway, and Cyprus' response will be guided by political, institutional, and national criteria, avoiding speculation or attempts to undermine an initiative that recognizes Cyprus' role and credibility in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.