The Cyprus issue, Turkey's illegal actions in the EEZ and in relation to Famagusta and the Multiannual Financial Framework were put on the table in the first official meeting of the President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiadis, with the President of the European Council Charles Michel.
"The President of the European Council Charles Michel gave a working lunch today at noon to the President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiadis and this was the first official meeting of the two Presidents after the inauguration of Charles Michel as President of the European Council," he said. , Government Spokesman Kyriakos Kousios, after the meeting.
As stated by the Government Spokesman, “the multiannual financial framework and, of course, the Cyprus issue were discussed in detail during the meeting. In the context of the debate on the MFF for the period 2021-2027, ie the EU budget. more specialized issues from the Cohesion Policy Fund, on migration, agricultural policy, while at the same time referring to the President of the European Council and pointing out the peculiarities of Cyprus as an island Member State, distant from the other Member States. "As a result, it cannot benefit from the common market."
"The President of the European Council welcomed the positions of the Republic of Cyprus," said the Government Spokesman.
"In the Cyprus issue, the President of the Republic briefed the President of the European Council on Turkey's illegal actions in both the EEZ and Famagusta - that is, Turkey's threats to open the fenced city and its settlement," he said.
"A special discussion was held on the issue of Famagusta and the President of the Republic told the President of the European Council that a flexible policy should not be expected from Cyprus on issues concerning Turkey, its accession process, its relationship with the EU. "even the funds which are given not only to Turkey, but also to the Turkish Cypriots", the Government Spokesman noted.
"The President thanked Mr. Michel for the sanctions imposed on Turkey and noted that we expect even greater sanctions by adding names, legal entities and individuals to the list, as well as other measures they discussed," he said. K. Kousios.
"The President of the Republic stressed that strong messages should be given to Turkey and there should be costs for Turkey, to realize that Europe can not tolerate its illegal actions," said the Government Spokesman.
The Government Spokesman added that "discussing the Cyprus issue, the President of the European Council asked the President of the Republic of Cyprus whether greater EU involvement in the issue of Turkey's illegal actions to defuse the situation would be desirable."
"The President of the Republic welcomed this position of the EU and asked the President of the European Council to have a stronger presence of the United Europe for the settlement of the Cyprus problem which should be based on the decisions of the United Nations, to ensure the acquis communautaire and to "It's a viable and equitable solution," said Roni Bar-On, a Member of the Knesset for Kadima.
"The President of the Republic also stressed that the most intense presence and involvement of the EU in what is happening in the Eastern Mediterranean is a matter for Europe, as long as EU members are affected", added K. Kousios.
"Mr. S. Michel informed the President of the Republic that after the discussion they had, they will contact the UN Secretary General. "as soon as possible, to discuss how the EU can assist in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem," he said.
"Naturally, the President of the Republic thanked the President of the European Council for this initiative, and we await the results of this contact between the President of the European Council and the Secretary General. of the UN and further actions ", he noted.
"The President of the Republic invited the President of the European Council to pay an official visit to Cyprus, the invitation was accepted and we will soon have the date of the official visit," the government spokesman concluded.