Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said that the historic visit of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev in Cyprus has been concluded successfully.
Speaking after the session of the Ministerial Council, Stephanou said that the goals set have been fully attained and that this visit opens up new perspectives for promoting further the excellent relations between Cyprus and Russia.
He added that, as a result of the visit, the political and financial advantages for the Republic of Cyprus are great.
Concerning the Russian proposal for a New European Security Treaty and Cyprus’ position on it, Stephanou noted that Russia is asking for a dialogue with the EU and the Member States, in order to discuss the prospects of shaping this new security architecture, as described by the Russian President, during a press conference with President Christofias on Thursday.
The Spokesman added that the Republic of Cyprus has reconfirmed, through the President of the Republic, its positive stance vis-a-vis the proposal and underlined the common position with the Russian President for a constructive, equally-footed cooperation with other European partners, within the framework of a credible and accessible-to-all system of comprehensive security in the Euro Atlantic area.
As a result, Stephanou said that Cyprus’ approach is not in conflict with the EU, as some have implied. The proposal is on the table, he went on, adding that European leaders have many times described it as interesting and they said their ready to discuss it.
Concerning the Cypriot-owned process for the solution of the Cyprus problem, the Spokesman said that some people confront it in an absolute way, adding that this does not include the President of the Republic or the Government.
Explaining the meaning of this process, Stephanou said that the two communities of Cyprus are set to come to an agreement through dialogue on the domestic aspects of the Cyprus problem, in order to arrive to a mutually acceptable solution that will be put to referendum.
Moreover, he said that the President’s policy does not exclude, but encourages the involvement of the international community in the effort to reach a solution.
“We seek the EU’s involvement in the effort to solve the Cyprus problem, especially vis-a-vis Turkey’s accession negotiations, so that the EU approaches Turkey and persuades her to alter her stance on Cyprus, opening thus the way to a solution” Stephanou mentioned.
The President’s proposals are made in this spirit, the Government Spokesman said, so as to engage the EU further and oblige Turkey to assume its responsibilities.
It is not right to say that President Christofias is excluding all other players by adhering to the Cypriot-owned negotiation process, Stephanou concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.
