The President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the British Parliament worries about Cyprus’ agreements with Russia
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (20.03.15) reports that Richard Ottaway, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the British Parliament, has said that they are worried about the agreement recently signed between the Republic of Cyprus and Russia.
Arguing that the European communities should convey Russia and other regional players the message that the problems are solved through diplomacy and not with the use of force, Ottaway noted that they are worried about some agreements signed during President Anastasiades recent official visit to Russia which include the use of Cyprus’ ports by Russian warships in return of making a several-billion-euro discount in Cyprus’ debt to Russia.
He claimed that Europe should act in unity against what he called as Russia’s aggressive stance in Ukraine and said that he finds it difficult to understand this decision which gives Russia the opportunity to anchor in the Mediterranean during such a period.
Ottaway alleged that this decision has showed the urgent need for a comprehensive solution for ending the division between the sides which “further deepened with the Greek Cypriot side abandoning the negotiating table”. He finally expressed the hope for the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots returning to the table the soonest and creating practical solutions to the problems.