The Cyprus issue, Turkey’s illegal actions in the EEZ and in Famagusta and the Multiannual Financial Framework were discussed at the first official meeting between President Nicos Anastasiades and European Council President Charles Michel.
Government Spokesman Kyriakos Kousios told reporters on Wednesday that Michel hosted President Anastasiades for lunch, noting this was the first formal meeting of the two Presidents since Michel assumed his new duties.
As the Government Spokesman said, the multiannual financial framework was discussed at the meeting as well as the Cyprus issue.
President Anastasiades raised the reservations and concerns of the Republic of Cyprus to Michel as regards the enhancement of the remuneration of the Republic of Cyprus, as a member of the EU and more specifically from the Cohesion Fund migration and rural policy. He also highlighted the peculiarities of Cyprus as an island state, remote from the other EU member states, noting it cannot enjoy the benefits of the common market .
“The President of the European Council welcomed the positions of the Republic of Cyprus,” the Government Spokesman reaffirmed.
Kousios also said that as regards the Cyprus issue, Anastasiades briefed the President of the European Council on Turkey’s illegal actions in both the EEZ and Famagusta – namely Turkey’s threats to open the enclosed city and to colonize it.
“There was a special discussion on the issue of Famagusta and the President of the Republic told the President of the European Council that Cyprus should not expect a flexible policy on matters concerning Turkey, its accession path, its relationship with the EU, even the funds given not only to Turkey but also to the Turkish Cypriots,” the Government Spokesman noted.
“The President of the Republic thanked Mr. Michel for the sanctions imposed on Turkey and noted that we expect even more sanctions to be added to the list of legal entities and individuals, as well as other measures discussed.” said Kousios.
“The President of the Republic emphasised that strong messages should be conveyed to Turkey and there should be repercussions so that Turkey realises that Europe cannot tolerate its unlawful actions,” the Government Spokesman said.
According to Kousios, the President of the European Council asked President Anastasiades whether a greater EU involvement concerning Turkey’s illegal actions would be welcomed in an effort to alleviate the situation.
“The President of the Republic welcomed this position and called on the President of the European Council for a stronger European Union presence that would help towards the resolution of the Cyprus problem based on United Nations decisions, safeguarding the acquis communautaire and for a viable and fair solution,” the Spokesman added.
President Anastasiades also stressed that a stronger EU presence and involvement in the Eastern Mediterranean is an EU matter since EU members are affected, he added.
Michel told the President Anastasiades that he would contact the UN Secretary-General as soon as possible to discuss how the EU could assist in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem”, the Spokesman said.
“The President of the Republic thanked the President of the European Council for this initiative, and we look forward to the results of the European Council President`s contacts with the UN Secretary-General and further action,” he noted.
President Anastasiades invited the President of the European Council to pay an official visit to Cyprus. The invitation was accepted and the date will be announced soon, Kousios added.
(Cyprus News Agency)
