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Main News
FM: Turkish aggression undermining EastMed stability
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros
Regional/International Relations, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Turkey’s aggressive rhetoric undermines stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday after the conclusion of the Ministerial Summit of the EU’s Mediterranean countries (MED 7), in Athens, the dailies report.
“Unfortunately, we have witnessed aggressive rhetoric from Turkey against an EU member state –especially recently– with threats to resume illegal actions within the EEZ of Cyprus and the creation of new, unacceptable faits accomplis within the enclosed area of Famagusta,” Christodoulides said. These actions, he went on, undermine stability and cooperation in the region and aim to impose by force a form of solution to the Cyprus problem that not only deviates from the agreed framework and the European principles and values but is also in complete contradiction with the wishes of the majority of the Cypriot people, GCs and TCs.
Christodoulides expressed the hope that during the forthcoming European Council, results will emerge that “will strengthen the EU’s credibility, will demonstrate its desire to play a more determined geopolitical role and will send the message that the EU’s fundamental principle of solidarity between the member states is not empty”.
He reiterated Cyprus’ commitment in promoting stability, peace, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean, by expanding the network of regional cooperation with like-minded states in the region. Christodoulides said this position is based on a positive and inclusive approach, with the sole precondition of respect for international law and the principles of good neighbouring relations.
Referring to the summit itself, Christodoulides said the pandemic posed challenges that further highlighted the need for European coordination.
He also spoke about migration, as a central topic discussed in the summit, noting that all parties agree that in order to effectively address the disproportionately large migratory flows faced by the Mediterranean member states of the EU, it must be ensured that the New Pact on Migration and Asylum will be balanced between the principles of responsibility and solidarity.
The dailies report that on his part, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressing the Summit, reiterated Greece’s strong commitment to the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of bizonal bicommunal federation (BBF), in accordance with the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) relevant resolutions and the European acquis. He said there can be no discussion for a two-state solution in Cyprus: “A discussion of a two-state solution cannot be held under any circumstances, not only by Cyprus or Greece as a guarantor power but also by any EU member state, because it violates the European acquis,” he said.
Referring to his forthcoming meeting with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the NATO Summit on Monday, Mitsotakis stressed that Greece remains open to the positive agenda “in a gradual, proportional and reversible manner, to use the phrases that were included in the text of the Council Conclusions in March.”
Phileleftheros reports that Christodoulides also held contacts with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, with their discussion focusing mainly on issues that require the two countries to coordinate.
Phileleftheros also reports that France’s Minister of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, addressing a press conference in Athens on Friday expressed his country’s support to Greece and Cyprus vis-à-vis existing regional challenges. He said that when it comes to the issues of the Eastern Mediterranean “we are always ready to discuss with Turkey, in a spirit, however, of solidarity and determination, as we proved since last year in the various discussions we had.” Beaune also said that French support for Greece and Cyprus vis-à-vis regional challenges is not merely a sign of solidarity for two EU member states, but support for Europe’s strength over these matters. We are determined and very clear on issues pertaining to the sovereignty of our states, he concluded.
KEY ACTORS
Christodoulides
>> We have witnessed aggressive rhetoric from Turkey against Cyprus -especially recently– with threats to resume illegal actions within the EEZ of Cyprus and the creation of new, unacceptable faits accomplis in Varosha
>> These actions undermine stability and cooperation in the region & aim to impose by force a two-state solution
>> Hopes that forthcoming EUCO will yield results that will strengthen the EU’s credibility, will demonstrate its desire to play a more determined geopolitical role & will send the message that the EU’s fundamental principle of solidarity between the member states is not empty
>> Cyprus committed to promoting stability, peace, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean by expanding the network of regional cooperation with like-minded states in the region
Mitsotakis (Greece)
>> Greece strongly commitment to BBF Cyprus solution, in accordance with UNSC resolutions and the EU acquis
>> A discussion of a two-state solution cannot be held under any circumstances, not only by Cyprus or Greece as a guarantor power but also by any EU member state, because it violates the European acquis
>> Greece remains open to the positive agenda in a gradual, proportional and reversible manner
Beaune (France)
>> France supports Greece and Cyprus vis-à-vis existing regional challenges