Johnson calls Anastasiades to touch base

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with President Nicos Anastasiades over the phone on Wednesday, discussing the latest developments regarding UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

According to a written announcement by Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou, Anastasiades reiterated the Cypriot government’s support for an orderly withdrawal, while the two men also discussed bilateral issues.

Anastasiades briefed Johnson on the latest developments regarding Turkey, including the issues of Varosha, natural gas, and difficulties in the efforts to resume peace talks.

Prodromou also said, according to the Cyprus News Agency, that the British prime minister reiterated UK support for sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and to efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of Cyprus through negotiations on the basis of UN resolutions.

In addition to Anastasiades, Johnson reportedly spent Wednesday afternoon calling other leaders within the EU, including European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President David Sassoli, and Latvian Prime Minister Arturs Karins.

According to a Downing Street spokesperson, Johnson and Juncker discussed the “positive and constructive conversation they had in Luxembourg” on Monday, adding the two men shared determination to reach a deal.

“The prime minister updated the other European leaders on the progress of the Brexit talks to date and reiterated that, when the UK leaves the EU on October 31, his preference is that we do so with a deal,” the spokesperson said according to British media.

Johnson reportedly said work that was under way to seek an alternative to the backstop that would protect both the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement and the integrity of the single market.