The President Nicos Anastasiades on Wednesday held a teleconference with European Council president Charles Michel to discuss the EU budget. As Government Spokesman Kyriacos Koushos said, Michel views positively Cyprus’ request in relation to the migrant issue.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace, Koushos said that the long teleconference took place today, in the framework of Michel’s consultations with European leaders, in a bid to finalize negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027, the soonest possible.
The aim is to reach convergence to the greatest extend possible, ahead of an extraordinary EU Summit, taking place on February 20, Koushos added.
During the teleconference, the President presented the position and the goals of the Republic of Cyprus, stressing the need to increase funding for Cyprus, particularly in policy areas related to cohesion, immigration and common agricultural policy, the Spokesman went on.
Koushos said that the President also underlined that the EU should also acknowledge and address Cyprus’ particularities, as a small island nation close to a volatile region, that is facing continuous challenges.
According to the Government Spokesman, Michel showed understanding in relation to Cyprus’ plausible requests, while noting the challenges to reach an agreement on MFF due to Brexit.
Deliberations are expected to intensify in the next few days and the two Presidents agreed to stay in constant touch, said Koushos.
Asked if the President raised with Michel the issue of immigration in relation to Cyprus, Koushos noted that the issue was one of the points President Anastasiades raised during the teleconference. Michel’s approach was positive, but these issues are expected to be thoroughly discussed during the next European Council, in Brussels, he added.
Journalists also asked if the two men discussed Turkish provocations, with Koushos saying that the teleconference focused on the MFF and that all other issues have already been raised with the EU and will be discussed during the President’s stay in Brussels.
(Cyprus News Agency)
