Cyprus is seeking to send a clear message to Ankara that progress in EU-Turkey relations depends on meaningful movement on the Cyprus issue, following recent contacts between European Union leaders and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said Turkish support in principle for the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres must now be translated into action, including agreement to convene an informal multilateral meeting that would pave the way for the resumption of substantive negotiations.
Speaking to reporters outside the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis said President Nikos Christodoulides met on Thursday with the leaders of DIPA, EDEK and the Green Party to brief them on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue.
He said the president remains committed to maintaining a constructive exchange of views with political parties at a time of renewed diplomatic activity, as Nicosia works to further intensify efforts aimed at restarting the peace process.
Letymbiotis also referred to telephone calls the president held earlier in the day with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The discussions focused on the dinner meeting the two EU leaders held with Erdoğan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara.
EU-Turkey relations
The spokesman said Turkey's interest in advancing relations with the European Union has become increasingly evident, including through statements by Turkish officials themselves.
He stressed, however, that both the European Commission and the European Council have made clear that issues Ankara wants to see progress on are directly linked to progress in the Cyprus problem.
“Turkey's obligations relating to Cyprus are European obligations,” he said.
According to Letymbiotis, any advancement on matters raised by Ankara will require a constructive and determined commitment from Turkey towards progress on Cyprus.
He said this position is shared by all 27 EU member states and the bloc's institutions, adding that recent contacts involving the EU's High Representative and commissioners, as well as statements by Costa and von der Leyen, have reinforced that message.
Letymbiotis also highlighted the close cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations on Cyprus. He said both Costa and von der Leyen have made clear the EU's willingness to support the UN secretary-general's efforts, while Guterres and his personal envoy also recognise the role the bloc can play in advancing the process.
Asked whether Erdoğan is expected to move first on Cyprus or is waiting for concessions from the EU, Letymbiotis said he could not speak on behalf of the Turkish president.
He added, however, that if Turkey genuinely wants progress on the issues it consistently raises with the European Union, then movement on Cyprus must come first.
While noting Turkey's public support for the Guterres initiative, he said such support must be demonstrated through concrete actions.
“Rhetorical support must be translated into genuine intent,” he said.
According to Letymbiotis, this would mean Turkey agreeing to an informal multilateral meeting under UN auspices, leading to the resumption of negotiations within the agreed framework.
Asked whether such a development would be sufficient for Cyprus to ease objections to issues raised by Turkey, Letymbiotis pointed to the framework governing EU-Turkey relations that was adopted unanimously by EU leaders.
He said the framework provides for a gradual, proportionate and reversible approach, linking progress in EU-Turkey relations directly to progress on Cyprus.
If substantive progress is achieved and informal talks lead to a genuine return to negotiations aimed at a comprehensive settlement, he said, Nicosia would be prepared to support corresponding advances in EU-Turkey relations.
Lebanon
Commenting on Lebanon, Letymbiotis said relations between Cyprus and its neighbour are currently among the strongest in recent years.
He noted that, particularly since the election of President Joseph Aoun, Cyprus has consistently supported Lebanon and has played a leading role in efforts within both the EU and the UN to promote stability and security in the country.
He added that Cyprus has demonstrated its support in practical ways, including through financial assistance.
