Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou – Markoullis and her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov have completed their meeting in Moscow with the signature of a 2012 – 2013 political consultations plan on Wednesday.
Addressing a joint press conference the two Ministers confirmed the excellent level of bilateral relations between the two Ministries and made many references to current affairs with an emphasis on the situation in Syria.
Markoullis expressed the Cyprus government’s and people’s gratitude towards Russia, noting that Russia’s stable position on the Cyprus issue has acted like a protective “shield” for the national independence, territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus.
She also referred to the excellent cooperation between the two countries in the areas of economy and tourism.
On his part Lavrov reiterated the fixed position of Russia for a just, viable and comprehensive solution of the Cyprus issue in the context of UN Security Council consultations and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s good offices mission, without external pressures.
In this regard, he made an extensive reference to the 2004 Russian veto at the Security Council over the Cyprus issue, saying that that particular instance is an example of the “dishonest” efforts of certain western powers which, according to him, try to use the Security Council in order to bias developments whilst at the same time showing that Russia exercises its veto on matters of principle.
Lavrov also expressed his satisfaction for an increase of 25% during the first five months of 2012 on bilateral transactions despite the negative international climate and welcomed the foundation of a business council as wells as the decision to reactivate a ministerial committee of cooperation between the two governments.
The Russian FM referred extensively to matters relating to Russian – EU cooperation expressing the hope that Cyprus, which has assumed the EU Council rotating Presidency until the end of the year, will contribute to the promotion of issues which are of particular concern to Moscow, such as the lifting of visa requirements for Russian citizens wishing to travel to the EU.
He expressed the hope that consultations with the EU can be completed within a year and a half achieving a further expansion of facilitations granted to special categories of citizens.
Markoullis on her part said Russian tourists are “an example of quality tourism”, noting that the Russian market has become the second most important to the island, with a 20% share of the total tourist arrivals. This, she said, is something “we achieved through close cooperation”.
The fact that soon another three Cyprus Consulates will open in Russia in the regions of Krasnodar, Samara and Yekaternburg is proof of that interest as well as the fact that despite the financial crisis the data in relation to Russia are following an upward trend.
Markoullis denied reports that any talks are underway for founding a Russian military base in Mari.
Referring to the situation in Syria she underlined that Cyprus is the closest EU country in the area, has had previous experience with handling the crisis in Lebanon and the region in general both during the 1970s and more recently, which why it is extremely worried and tries to contribute for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Lavrov also referred to Syria, expressing the point of view that unilateral sanctions are a “blockade” and that they circumvent the UN Security Council. He explained that is the reason he cannot support such actions.
Russia on the other hand, he said, insists that it is necessary that everything possible is done for the implementation of the Annan Plan and the Geneva Agreements as they were described in the joint announcement on the basic principle that “Syrians must decide on their own”.
Markoullis will give a press conference for foreign and Russian journalists later on today.
Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
A UN-proposed solution plan – the Annan plan – was rejected by the overwhelming majority of the Greek Cypriots in April 2004, as imbalanced, partial in favour of Turkish demands, not leading to reunification of Cyprus and not meeting Greek Cypriot concerns over their security, and the functionality and viability of the proposed state. The Turkish Cypriots approved the Annan plan by majority vote.
UN led talks have been underway with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
