A new European Union envoy for the Cyprus problem is expected to be announced soon by the European Commission, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday, following contacts in Brussels with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Christodoulides said possible names had already been discussed with von der Leyen, in continuation of earlier consultations. The final announcement, he added, will be made by the Commission President once the necessary internal procedures are completed.
The expected appointment comes at a sensitive point in efforts to revive the Cyprus talks, with Nicosia arguing that the EU cannot remain on the sidelines of a process that directly concerns one of its member states. It also reflects the government’s effort to place the Cyprus problem firmly within the wider discussion on EU-Turkey relations.
Speaking as he arrived for the European Council, Christodoulides said his meeting earlier in the day with European Council President Antonio Costa covered three main issues: Cyprus’ EU Presidency, the country’s path towards Schengen membership and the Cyprus problem.
On Schengen, the President said Cyprus has completed the required preparation and is now waiting for a political decision that would allow it to become a full member of the border-free area. He said that decision is expected “very soon”.
The most politically significant part of the discussion, however, concerned the role of the EU in the Cyprus problem. Christodoulides said Costa briefed him on two recent telephone conversations with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during which the European Council President made clear that progress in EU-Turkey relations depends on Turkey fulfilling its European obligations, including those linked to Cyprus.
For Nicosia, this remains the central point: Brussels may want a more constructive relationship with Ankara, but that path cannot move independently of the Cyprus problem.
“There is a desire within the European Union to see progress in EU-Turkey relations,” Christodoulides said, adding that this “depends entirely on Turkey, starting with the Cyprus problem”.
The President said he was satisfied with the ongoing coordination between the United Nations and the European Union, describing it as necessary for creating the conditions that could lead to an expanded conference. The aim, he said, is for such a meeting to open the way for an official announcement on the resumption of negotiations.
He also noted that the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General is expected to visit Brussels towards the end of June, a move that underlines the effort to keep the EU involved in the next diplomatic steps.
Christodoulides presented the latest contacts as part of a broader effort to strengthen Cyprus’ diplomatic position. He said the country’s performance during its EU Presidency and its upgraded standing in Brussels give Nicosia additional leverage in pursuing its main political objective.
The EU, he said, is present and ready to play a leading role in the effort to resolve the Cyprus problem.
Source: CNA
