Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) of the EU that took place in Luxembourg on Monday. The 27 member states discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Kombos called on the EU to be actively involved in the implementation of the Gaza agreement, stressing that Cyprus continuously declares its presence through the maritime humanitarian corridor.
Prior to the official start of the Council’s proceedings, the foreign ministers participated in an informal working breakfast, during which they discussed the working methods of the FAC.
In his statements in the session on Ukraine, the Foreign Minister reiterated Cyprus’ support for an unconditional and complete ceasefire, aiming to initiate negotiations for achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace in the country. Additionally, Kombos referred to Cyprus’ support for the swift adoption of the 19th sanctions package, which includes measures to address the shadow fleet.
Regarding the Middle East, the Foreign Minister stressed in his intervention that the EU must engage actively and tangibly in implementing the recent agreement on Gaza. “Cyprus, as the EU member state closest to the region, continuously declares its presence through the maritime humanitarian corridor, leveraging its excellent relations with the countries of the region, and is ready to contribute further in this direction,” he underlined.
In this context, the Foreign Minister also referred to the contacts made by the President of the Republic during the Summit for Peace in Egypt, where specific areas were highlighted in which Cyprus can develop concrete initiatives in the fields of security, reconstruction, and humanitarian aid.
Referring to yesterday’s process in Cyprus’ occupied territories that led to the election of the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhrman, the Minister reaffirmed Cyprus’ readiness and political will to continue efforts to resume substantive negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem. He underlined that the solution to the Cyprus issue must be based on UN resolutions and the principles and legislation of the EU.
After the conclusion of the Foreign Affairs Council, the Foreign Minister is participating in the Meeting on Regional Security and Connectivity between the foreign ministers of EU member states and partner countries of the Eastern Partnership, the Black Sea region, and Central Asia. The meeting will focus on energy, transport, and maritime management issues.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.