European Commission Executive Vice-President and EU Special Representative for Cyprus Raffaele Fitto will engage with all relevant stakeholders to help prepare the ground for a resumption of talks on the Cyprus issue, the Commission said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the midday briefing, Commission spokesperson Louise Bogey said Fitto would work with “all stakeholders and interlocutors”, in particular both Cypriot communities, to support a comprehensive and lasting settlement and to help build trust.
Turkish Cypriots say not consulted
Responding to complaints from the Turkish Cypriot side that it had not been consulted prior to Fitto’s appointment, Bogey said, “the EU remains firmly committed to the reunification of Cyprus in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles, values and legislation of the EU”.
She added that Fitto “will contribute to the settlement process within the UN framework, in close collaboration with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar”, noting that his appointment followed extensive contacts with relevant interlocutors.
Experienced politician
Commission deputy spokesperson Olof Gill described Fitto as “an experienced politician with a wealth of relevant experience in governance, regional cooperation and institutional dialogue”, adding that he was appointed “because we believe he has the skills and the experience to move things forward”.
No details were given on a possible meeting between Fitto and Holguín, although diplomatic sources said such a meeting could take place in July.
The sources also pointed to the political weight of Fitto’s appointment, highlighting his proximity to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and his influence within the Commission. They said his experience in EU affairs and familiarity with the political landscape would allow him to move quickly in coordinating efforts with the UN envoy.
Source: CNA
