It is important that all recognize the added value of a more active EU involvement in the Cyprus talks, Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said today.
Asked about the possibility for the appointment of an EU Envoy for the Cyprus talks, Christodoulides said that “it is important that all interested parties, including the EU, see the added value of a more active involvement of Brussels.”
He added that that “we can expect developments in this direction” and recalled that in the second half of July, the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will visit Cyprus.
“And certainly this issue will be on the agenda for discussion,” he said.
Regarding Confidence Building Measures (CBM) that are expected to be announced tomorrow during a new meeting by the leader of the two communities in Cyprus (President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci), the Spokesman said that the list of CBM is being drafted and recalled that the ones responsible for the decision making are the two leaders.
Asked if the CBM will include measures for the investigation into the fate of the persons who went missing during the Turkish invasion in 1974, Christodoulides said that the humanitarian issue of the missing persons was discussed during the first meeting of the leaders and noted that it is important that they both believe that there is need to speed up the process.
“I would not rule out the possibility that the two leaders undertake an initiative” he said.
The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded. It still occupies 37% of this EU Mediterranean country, despite repeated calls by international and European organizations to withdraw its troops from the island.
UN led Cyprus talks resumed this month. They were interrupted by the Greek Cypriot side due to Turkey`s violation of Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone. The leaders of the two communities will meet again tomorrow.