President Christodoulides has voiced optimism regarding the outcomes expected from today’s European Council summit, focusing on the imperative for a ceasefire in Gaza and the amplification of humanitarian assistance.
During a lunch session, it was reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended full support from the United Nations towards Cyprus’s initiative for the “Amalthea” humanitarian corridor.
President Christodoulides said, “I’m sure you realise that the Middle East will dominate discussions, especially as the UN Secretary-General is in Brussels. I hope today will finally see the adoption of conclusions that set out the European Union’s common position on the need for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. I’m pleased to see progress on an initiative launched in October 2023.”
Highlighting developments, the President disclosed, “Today, a very important conference was held in Cyprus, attended by 36 states. Twenty-three EU countries were present, and all G7 nations and the United Nations, to discuss how we can ensure the technical details of our initiative are effective and to create a fund to increase the volume of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. I’m delighted to announce that the Prime Minister of the Netherlands has informed me that his country will contribute €10 million to this fund. The EU has already begun the relevant process and it appears that it will contribute around €70 million as an initial donation to this fund. There is interest from many countries in the establishment and operation of this fund. This is something we will discuss here, in the presence of the Secretary-General, and later at the meeting of the 27 member states, and I hope we will have some conclusions.”
Further elaborating on the agenda, President Christodoulides stated plans for a separate meeting with the UN Secretary-General following dinner, intending to address the Republic of Cyprus’s initiative and the ongoing Cyprus problem.
Responding to inquiries about Euro-Turkish relations, the President reiterated, “Our desire is well known: we want the negotiations to resume, and nothing else. For this dialogue to restart, I have said many times that the European Union has a substantial role to play.”
Regarding the humanitarian efforts, President Christodoulides affirmed, “The second ship is being prepared; the exact date of its departure will depend on the weather conditions. Cyprus is ready.”
In response to concerns regarding the maritime humanitarian corridor, the President clarified, “Absolutely not. Our proposal for a maritime humanitarian corridor complements other humanitarian corridors, and of course, all available routes must be opened.”
Asserting Cyprus’s stance on the matter, President Christodoulides emphasised, “We want to see positive conclusions and references to Euro-Turkish relations that are predicated on positive developments in the Cyprus problem.”
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