The Cyprus problem, the economy and the portfolio of the new Cypriot EU Commissioner will be on the agenda of a private meeting President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades will have with the new President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker on Saturday, August 30, in Brussels.
The meeting will take place in the context of the extraordinary European Council in which EU leaders will decide on the new President of the European Council and the new High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Juncker will officially announce the composition of the new College of Commissioners.
Cyprus has put forward two candidates for the post of its Commissioner: European People`s Party MEP, Christos Stylianides and the President of Cyprus` European Party Demetris Syllouris. The final decision will be taken by the President of the European Commission after consultations with European leaders.
In statements to CNA, the Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said that Anastasiades – Juncker meeting is scheduled for Saturday morning. At the meeting, he added, they will discuss the Cyprus problem, the economy and the portfolio of the Cypriot Commissioner.
He also said that President Anastasiades will have the opportunity to meet with other European leaders as well on the sidelines of the Council.
Asked when the newly appointed special adviser to UN Secretary-General on Cyprus, former Foreign Minister of Norway, Espen Barth Eide, is expected to visit Cyprus, Christodoulides said that Eide is expected in Cyprus prior the President`s visit to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, scheduled to take place between 21-28 of September.
A date has not yet been set, he said. Eide will assume the position, formerly held by Alexander Downer of Australia, who stepped down as his Special Adviser in April.
Asked about the President`s program of meetings in New York, Christodoulides said that in addition to the meeting with the UN Secretary General, the President will also meet with leaders of neighboring states and the Gulf states.
On the appointment of the new Chairman of the Board of Directors Cyprus Airways, following the resignation of Tony Anthony, Christodoulides said the final decision will be taken at the next meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest round of UN-led peace talks began in February this year.
