Serbian FM Nikola Selakovic, who pays Cyprus a working visit was received on Monday by House Speaker Annita Demetriou with whom he discussed the Cyprus issue, the Ukrainian crisis and bilateral ties.
A press release by the Parliament says that during the meeting they both referred to the excellent relations between the two countries and the solidarity and support on issues of national interest.
Demetriou reassured of Cyprus’ support to Serbia’s EU course and to the issue of Kosovo. Referring to Russia’s invasion to Ukraine she noted that Cyprus can relate as it is also a victim of invasion and continuous occupation by Turkey.
But she went to underline that the same principles that apply to the issue of Ukraine should apply to any other country and no double standards should be observed.
Demetriou condemned the double standard policy towards Turkey noting that Ankara is escalating its provocations towards Cyprus, in the fenced off town of Varosha and in the island’s exclusive economic zone. At the same time, she said, Turkey has failed to line up with EU’s sanctions towards Russia.
The Serbian FM thanked Demetriou for Cyprus’ firm stance in the issue of Kosovo and in Serbia’s EU course adding that his country also supports Cyprus sovereignty and territorial integrity and vows for a solution based on the UN Security Council resolutions.
During the meeting they also exchanged views on the humanitarian and socio-economic effects of the war in Ukraine and they pledged for further enhancement of the bilateral ties in all levels, including in the parliament.
They also referred to Demetriou’s visit to Serbia last November.
In the framework of the visit Demetriou bestowed Serbian Ambassador to Cyprus ?arko ?lagojevic, the Grand Commander of the Order of Makarios III, on behalf of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, for his contribution to the strengthening of the bilateral ties.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Numerous rounds of talks under the UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results.
UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. Resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.
Source: Cyprus News Agency