In the framework of the lunch of the informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers, low tones were kept, while from the Cypriot side it is considered that the EU member states sent the messages needed for the Cypriot relationship with the Euro-Turkish ones
Without reference initially in Cypriot, and then in his second intervention with a reference to the Turkish position for two sovereignly equal entities that must cooperate, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, was appointed, in the context of the lunch of the informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers, according to diplomatic sources.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantinos Kombos responded to the reports with the Cypriot positions, however according to the same sources in discussion was kept low-key, while from the Cypriot side it is considered that the EU member states sent the messages needed for the Cypriot relationship with the Euro-Turkish ones.
- A clear message from the 27 Foreign Ministers to Fidan for a Euro-Turkish connection with Cyprus (video)
According to the said sources, most of the countries that were placed after Fidan's initial statement, were mentioned in the framework set by the positions of the European Union on the Euro-Turkish and Cypriot issues, as recorded in the conclusions of the European Council, the resolutions of the Security Council and the need for progress in the Cyprus issue as a necessary element that affects the progress of the Euro-Turkish.
< p>After the positions of the member states, including Cyprus, according to the information, Mr. Fidan referred to the Cypriot issue, and in particular to the Turkish positions regarding the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, and to the interpretation that in Cyprus there are two sovereignly equal entities that they should discuss, and that the relations between them should not hinder progress in Euro-Turkish.
This report brought a response from Mr. Kobos, who quoted the position of the EU side regarding the framework for the solution of the Cyprus issue, as well as the need to link progress in the Cyprus issue with Euro-Turkish relations.
The the Cypriot side considers that the discussion was an opportunity to hear the EU's point of view, and that it is now a matter for Turkey how to proceed.
However, with regard to what the next steps will be in the Euro-Turkish negotiations given the positive agenda promoted by the EU with conditions, the same sources pointed out that no decisions were expected during the meeting of the Foreign Ministers as it was an informal meeting. In essence, they said that there are currently discussions at the technocratic level about updating the Customs Union, the liberalization of violence and the role of the EIB, but political decisions will have to be made at the political level.
The discussion at the meal
In particular, the debate on EU relations – of Turkey took place in the context of the lunch of the EU Foreign Ministers with the Foreign Minister of Turkey, while the Foreign Ministers during the rest of the session were also occupied with the situation in Ukraine as well as in the Middle East.
The exchange of views started with positions of the High Representative Josep Borrell and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varelli, and then Hakan Fidan.
Mr. Fidan reportedly spoke about international and regional issues and the role of Turkey, while he also spoke about relations EU – of Turkey with reference to the country's integration perspective. However, he made no reference to the Cyprus issue.
Subsequently, the Foreign Ministers of the member states were appointed, with the majority according to diplomatic sources underlining to varying degrees the importance of the Cypriot in the Euro-Turkish context, while several member states thanked Cyprus for allowing this discussion to take place by lifting its objections.
The partners also referred to the role Turkey plays in various foreign policy issues, such as the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and the situation in Sudan, which Cyprus acknowledged both through Mr. Kobo's public statements and through of his reports inside the room.
According to diplomatic sources, Mr. Kombos mentioned that the EU operates by rules and based on conclusions, as well as the way in which the Euro-Turkish relations are connected with the Cyprus issue, not only through the need for progress in the negotiations, but also in points of the proposals in the High Representative's Joint Communication – Commission (Borrell report) which touch on Turkey's Cypriot obligations.
In his rejoinder, Mr. Fidan referred to the Cyprus issue in response to the reports made, focusing on the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and noting that the talks that have been carried out up to now have had no effect and benefit for the T/K. He also included in his position, according to the same sources, the position that in Cyprus there are two sovereignly equal entities which should cooperate and not influence the Euro-Turkish ones.
