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The President of the Republic of Cyprus expressed his special thanks to the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his strong support, as well as to the other leaders for their support and determination to defend the sovereign rights of Cyprus, which are sovereign rights of the Union itself. Nikos Anastasiadis.
At the press conference for the evaluation of the results of the European Council Summit, Mr. Anastasiadis said that the discussion was not easy, nor was it easy to reach a unanimous decision. “I am nonetheless satisfied that through months of effective and consistent diplomacy, the decision institutionally creates the prospect of continuing the effort, with the EU on our side, but also leads initiatives to end legal action and resume talks. “All conditions are low, Turkey must decide and will be judged accordingly,” he said.
Specifically, the President of the Republic of Cyprus stated:
“The extraordinary meeting of the European Council on the EU-Turkey strategic relationship and the situation in the eastern Mediterranean ended, as you well know, early this morning.
During the long meeting, there was an extensive discussion on ways to create a climate that enables a partnership between Europe and Turkey, which will be based on the principles and values of the Union and international law.
The unanimous position of all the leaders was, as a prerequisite, that this is the end of the illegal actions of Turkey to the detriment of the sovereign rights of Cyprus and Greece, which are contrary to international law.
On the questions of methodology and tactics to follow, various proposals were formulated, including the immediate imposition of sanctions or allowing diplomacy to have the initiative of the President of the Council and the country that presides, and in case of not taking a decision by of the December session.
As explicitly stated in paragraph 20 of the Conclusions “In the event that unilateral actions or provocations that violate international law continue, the EU will use all means and options at its disposal, including in accordance with Article 29 of the Treaty of the EU and 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU in order to defend its interests and the interests of its Member States “.
As I said before my departure from Cyprus, sanctions were never an end in themselves. What matters is the end of Turkey’s illegal actions and the creation of the positive climate necessary to give way to a fruitful dialogue for a definitive solution to the Cyprus problem.
After consultations, weighing the possible benefits of the initiatives that are being developed and after our interventions for the protection of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus were collectively accepted by the EU, we unanimously decided that the burden of responsibility and the options are now clearly transferred to Turkey.
I would like to express my satisfaction with the results of the Summit, as the text of the Conclusions explicitly requests that Turkey
A. By refraining from unilateral actions that violate international law, reaffirming the full solidarity of the Council of the EU with Greece and Cyprus, whose sovereignty and sovereign rights must be respected.
B. Condemns but also calls on Turkey to stop and refrain in future from violations of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus.
C. Calls on Turkey to accept Cyprus’ invitation to participate in a dialogue on the demarcation of maritime zones between Cyprus and Turkey in accordance with international law.
D. At the same time, the Council supports the speedy resumption of negotiations and remains committed to a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of United Nations resolutions and in accordance with EU principles, and calls on Turkey to respond in kind. To this end, the EU expresses its willingness to actively contribute to supporting the negotiations by appointing a representative at a meeting on Cyprus.
E. Special mention is made of the respect of resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992) of the UN Security Council regarding the return of the Varosians to their legitimate owners and residents.
F. A clear condition is established that in order to put in place a positive political agenda between the EU and Turkey, the illegal actions against Greece and Cyprus must end.
It was not easy to argue and reach a unanimous decision. However, I am satisfied that through months of effective and constant diplomacy, the decision institutionally creates the prospect of continuing the effort with the EU on our side, but it also sets the stage for initiating legal action and resuming talks. All conditions are low, Turkey must decide and will be judged accordingly.
Finally, I would like to express my special thanks to the Greek Prime Minister for his strong support and to the other leaders for their support and determination to defend the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, which are sovereign rights of the Union itself. “
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
