05/03/2021 10:34
Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, is paying a visit to Cyprus, on Friday, to offer his support, and that of the EU, in finding a path to resume settlement talks. Borrell is scheduled to meet with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia, at 11.40am local time (9.30am GMT) and with Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides at 11.40am. Later in the day, he will also meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar.
In an interview with CNA before his arrival to Cyprus, Borrell said that the EU “fully supports the resumption of a settlement process under UN auspices, as soon as possible", and stands ready to provide whatever assistance both parties and the UN would find most useful and remains committed. He said, however that “the solution to the Cyprus issue cannot come from outside” as the responsibility for finding a solution lies first and foremost with the Cypriots themselves.
He also recalled that “Turkey is expected to actively support the negotiations on a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles, on which the EU is founded and the EU acquis.” Borrell noted that this is not a process that is starting from scratch, but “there is a framework – including UN Security Council resolutions – and there is a history, with convergences to build on, with the support of the UN, the Guarantor Powers and the EU.”
Asked about the situation of Varosha, Borrell clarified that respecting the status of the fenced off part of Famagusta, as set out in relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, is of paramount importance. He said that the EU has condemned the latest unilateral steps “which must be reversed.”
Asked about the upcoming March European Council, Borrell said that “both the Greek-Turkish bilateral exploratory talks and the Cyprus issue are important tracks that we follow closely in the run up to the March European Council.” “The EU leaders already underlined in December that sustainable de-escalation and progress in these issues are crucial for developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and Turkey. The March European Council will be an opportunity for the EU Leaders to examine the overall relationship with Turkey and determine next steps” he concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. The UN Secretary-General invited all parties involved to attend an informal five-plus-one meeting on the Cyprus issue in Geneva, Switzerland, from 27 to 29 April 2021.