Coming period packed with Cyprus Problem diplomacy

EU and UN officials are expected in Cyprus in the coming days ahead of the informal conference on Cyprus that will take place April 27-29 of in Geneva and this month’s European Council summit, during which EU leaders will discuss Turkey`s European course. 

EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the UNSG’s special envoy Jane Holl Lute are expected on March 5 and March 7-9 respectively, while President Anastasiades will hold a teleconference on Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 

The Director of the President’s press office Victoras Papadopoulos, told the Cyprus News Agency that Anastasiades has already sent the UNSG his letter of acceptance of the invitation to the informal conference on the Cyprus Problem.

In his letter to the UNSG, Anastasiades expressed his commitment, readiness, determination and political will to contribute to the conference`s goal of resuming the Cyprus talks from the point they were left off at Crans-Montana, on the basis of UN resolutions and EU values ​​and principles, the High Level Agreements and the Guterres framework for the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a viable and functional bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, within the parameters agreed in Berlin on November 25, 2019 that were reflected in the announcement of the Secretary General.

Papadopoulos said that Anastasiades will hold a teleconference with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, with the main topics of discussion being the Cyprus issue and the upcoming informal conference on Cyprus.

On Friday March 5, Borrell will be visiting Cyprus for contacts with President Anastasiades, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar.

Talks with Borrell are expected to focus on the informal conference, since the Greek Cypriot side and the EU are pushing for a stronger EU involvement in Cyprus Problem processes, while the upcoming European Council summit scheduled for March 25-26 will also be on the agenda of discussions with both Borrell and Merkel.

Papadopoulos said Anastasiades want to probe the matter of Turkey`s implementation of international law and European principles and values, as well as its fulfilment of its obligations towards EU member states, including its obligation to contribute to the settlement of the Cyprus Problem. 

On the morning Sunday March 7, the UNSG`s envoy Jane Holl Lute will be received by President Anastasiades. She will also meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader to prepare the informal meeting, as well as members of UNFICYP.