The Cypriot government is focused and determined to solve the Cyprus issue, and also to pursue its other policy objectives as a stable and proactive country in the region, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides stressed, addressing Wednesday the Atlantic Council in Washington.
The event was attended by US government officials and academics.
In his speech on `Geopolitics in Eastern Mediterranean – A Cypriot Perspective` the Cypriot Foreign Minister talked about Cyprus` role in the region, being an EU member state, and a state which is not involved in any conflicts in the area.
Cyprus, he said, through its regional foreign policy, offers the added value of the EU`s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
He added that Cyprus` geographic position entails the enhanced responsibility, in a volatile area, at the front-line of the Western World.
Kasoulides referred to the new threats directed towards Europe, such as terrorism, proliferation of nuclear arms, migratory flows, trafficking in human beings and organized crime and said that
Cyprus aims to become a barrier and an effective actor in controlling these malignant flows that are aiming Europe.
In addition, he informed the audience about the measures taken by the Republic of Cyprus during the last year especially as regards combating terrorism, organized crime, its contribution in the Syrian crisis and its cooperation with the US, Britain and the EU.
Kasoulides also referred to the relations of Cyprus with its neighboring countries, Israel, Egypt and Lebanon, and stressed that the recently discovered hydrocarbons reserves in the area can play a positive role in achieving peace and stability.
The Foreign Minister said that Cyprus’ foreign policy`s guiding principle is that natural gas can become for the countries of Eastern Mediterranean what Coal and Steel was for Europe after the end of WWII, and it can bring peace, stability and prosperity through a cooperation in the economic and energy fields, to the benefit of all.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, he talked about the joint declaration adopted by the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus in February, which paved the way for the resumption of the Cyprus talks.
Kasoulides said that the Cypriot President has submitted a series of proposals for Confidence Building Measures to create trust and keep up the momentum.
He expressed hope that the recent upheaval and elections in Turkey will not affect the efforts to reach a solution in Cyprus and pointed out that Cyprus aims for win-win scenarios both with Turkey and in the region as a whole.
Furthermore, he reiterated Cyprus` commitment to reach a solution that is fair, lasting and resulting to the reunification of island.
Having this in mind, he said, timelines and pressures are not conducive to the efforts.
Cyprus, he said, wants a solution as soon as possible, but wants a real, fair and functioning solution to a longstanding problem, adding that constructive assistance of the EU towards a functioning solution is welcome.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and since then occupies 37% of this EU country`s territory. UN-backed talks are underway with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof. The Republic of Cyprus became a full EU member state in May 2004.