23/07/2020 16:24
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his country’s solidarity with Cyprus and Greece regarding the violation of their sovereignty by Turkey, noting that it was not acceptable for the sea area of an EU member state to be violated and threatened. Receiving President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades at the presidential palace in Paris, Macron assured his Cypriot counterpart that he could count on France’s support on this issue.
President Anastasiades praised the leadership role of Macron and France in the Eastern Mediterranean and the EU, noting that France is proving to be a country of stability and security, both in the Mediterranean and the EU. He also thanked Macron for the steadfast position of France regarding the Cyprus issue, and the French initiatives for the Mediterranean not to be under the control of Turkey or other forces, other than Europe. These initiatives, he said, showed that Europe should not restrict itself to declarations, but should take on a leading role through initiatives and stand by its member states.
Speaking through an interpreter, Macron said the Eastern Mediterranean was of vital importance for Europe, adding that energy and security issues were especially important.
He added that it would be wrong to leave security issues in the hands of others, noting that this was not an option for Europe. Macron assured that France would not allow this to happen.
Macron expressed France’s full solidarity with Cyprus and Greece regarding Turkish violations of their sovereign rights, noting that it was unacceptable for the sea area of an EU member state to be violated or threatened. Those who contribute to this situation, he added, should suffer sanctions.
The French President said Europe should examine the issues concerning security in the Mediterranean.
Furthermore, he invited Anastasiades to participate in the MED7 summit to take place in Paris, in late August or early September.
Regarding bilateral relations, he said they were excellent and could be strengthened further, especially in the sector of Francophonie and economic cooperation, and thanked the Cypriots for welcoming the French fleet, which paid over 20 visits this year.
President Anastasiades praised the leadership role of Macron and France in the Eastern Mediterranean and the EU, noting that France is proving to be a country of stability and security, both in the Mediterranean and the EU.
He furthermore referred to the role Macron played during the European Council so that the EU leaders could walk away with a decision that pleased almost everyone.
President Anastasiades also thanked Macron for the steadfast position of France regarding the Cyprus issue, and the French initiatives for the Mediterranean not to be under the control of Turkey or other forces, other than Europe. These initiatives, he said, showed that Europe should not restrict itself to declarations, but should take on a leading role through initiatives and stand by its member states.
He pointed out that what has been happening over the past few months, the violations of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, the threats to colonise Famagusta, the situation in Syria and Iraq, as well as Greece and Libya, indicate that Europe should do more and give hope to the European people, especially the countries affected.
President Anastasiades said that bilateral relations were excellent and assured Macron that Cyprus would always welcome the French fleet and more.
He said Cyprus has always been a country of stability and security in the region, has assisted in crises, and will do so again, through its good neighbourly relations.
The Cypriot President noted he would gladly visit Paris again when France will be hosting the Med7 summit.
Following the statements to the press, the two Presidents met in the presence of the members of their delegations to discuss cooperation between Cyprus and France in energy and defence, bilateral relations, Turkey’s provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as issues concerning EU priorities.
The Cypriot delegation comprises Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides, Minister of Defence Charalambos Petrides, Government Spokesman Kyriacos Koushos, Cyprus’ Ambassador in Paris Pantias Eliades, Advisor to the President of the Republic on Energy issues Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, and other officials.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.