A proposal to de-escalate tensions with Turkey, taking advantage of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, was presented by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, in an interview with Politico, linking an agreement by Turkey for Cyprus's inclusion in the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, which is considered a precursor to possible NATO membership, with Cyprus' gradual removal of obstacles to closer cooperation between the EU and Turkey.
"We can imagine a step-by-step approach, with steps from Turkey towards Cyprus's accession to the PfP and at the same time positive steps in EU-Turkey relations, always in combination with the resumption of talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem within the agreed framework," the President said in his interview.
He also said that he discussed this proposal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutter and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Referring to the issue of Cyprus' accession to NATO, he noted that it is a "natural development", adding that this has not happened due to "political circumstances".
Regarding the SAFE program and the exclusion of Turkey, the President emphasized that "it is Turkey that has excluded itself," explaining that "there are specific conditions that must be met for participation in SAFE, just like in the EU accession process, it is not à la carte."
Regarding the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the EU, President Christodoulides said that Cyprus is well aware of its institutional role and that it is going to invite Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to the informal Council to be held in Cyprus on April 23-24.
Referring to the US peace plan for Ukraine, which is being promoted by President Donald Trump, President Christodoulides said that this effort is not perfect but it is important that it is on the table.
He also said that "Trump's election sends a message to the EU that America cannot be taken for granted, so as the EU we must do more and cooperate more with each other so that we can face any challenges. That way you are more useful to the Americans," he said.
He also noted that there is close cooperation with the US so that the National Guard can be aligned with NATO standards. As he said, Cyprus is cooperating with the US "so that its weapons systems and the organization of the National Guard meet NATO standards, until the political situation allows its membership."
Regarding the prospects for resuming negotiations on the Cyprus issue, the President referred to his meeting today with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, with the participation of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Maria Angela Olgi, noting that "on the one hand, we must reaffirm the convergences achieved until 2017 and, on the other hand, to start negotiations. If there is real political will, I believe that a solution to the Cyprus issue is possible," he noted.
Furthermore, the President referred to the Government's goal to complete the technical assessments within 2025, so that Cyprus can receive a recommendation for membership in the Schengen area in 2026.
“The goal is to be technically ready by the end of the year and then for the committee to make a recommendation to the member states in 2026,” he said. On the same issue and responding to fears of the creation of a “hard border,” the President assured that “the free movement of our Turkish Cypriot fellow citizens along the ceasefire line will not be affected in any way.”
Source: KYPE
