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European Council President Donald Tusk welcomed the resumption of settlement talks in Cyprus between President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, and noted that the next three months will be critical to eliminate obstacles to the necessary mutual understanding and trust.
This follows comments made on Thursday night by the Greek Cypriot negotiator at the UN-sponsored talks, Andreas Mavroyiannis, who said that the next three months will determine the timeframe for a potential solution.
Tusk was received in Nicosia on Friday by President Anastasiades, during his first official visit to the island and discussed the Cyprus issue, migration and the Middle East peace process.
He said that the EU will continue its “full and resolute support to the settlement process within the UN framework,” noting that this is an opportunity that should not be missed.
“I see a real chance to solve this with both parties committed to achieving a lasting solution. A real interest and willingness to act from all parties is the way forward.”
He said moreover that they spoke on the Middle East peace process, following Anastasiades’ initiative to invite separately the Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address a European Council meeting.
Tusk said that his visit in the region, prior to Cyprus, builds on this initiative and thanked the Cypriot President for his help and advice. Before arriving in Cyprus, Tusk had contacts in Israel and Palestine, as well as in Turkey.
Speaking on the migration crisis, the European Council President said Cyprus was a good example of a country ready to show solidarity.
“In this context, we also discussed the refugee crisis. This visit is part of my consultations with member states on how to tackle this huge challenge, including the questions of relocation and resettlement. Cyprus is a good example of a country that is ready to help and show solidarity. The time has come to take decisions. Justice and Home Affairs Ministers are meeting on Monday at an emergency session. From that meeting, we will need a concrete, positive sign of solidarity and unity,” Tusk said.
On the economy, Tusk said he “was pleased to hear how the efforts by the people of Cyprus are bringing positive results. It will be important to maintain this momentum and to advance on structural reforms. This will strengthen public finances and lay the ground for sustained growth and job creation now and in the future.”
“I am sure that Cyprus can be also the best example of our common efforts and our programme’s work and this is why I am really satisfied, especially after the information about possible growth and the stability of public finances.”
In his statements, President Anastasiades reiterated his strong commitment to work tirelessly with Mustafa Akinci in order to reach a viable settlement that will reunite Cyprus and the people.
On migration, he said that Cyprus is committed in contributing to a fair burden sharing within the EU and noted that the European response to the humanitarian crisis must be within the spirit of solidarity and based on common principles.
Speaking about the Middle East peace process, he noted moreover that Cyprus is ready to facilitate EU efforts in every way possible. “There is an urgent need to revive the Middle East Peace Process,” he said.
