Cyprus “upgraded role” in the global arena can strengthen the country’s efforts to reach a settlement, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday.
In statements after his attendance at the WISTA International Conference in Limassol, the President expressed satisfaction about Cyprus’ election at the UN Human Rights Council for the first time.
He said the development, coupled with Cyprus hosting the MED9 Summit revealed the country’s upgraded role internationally, and strengthens the country’s position to reach a functioning and viable settlement.
This is key for an EU member state which will continue to have a stronger role in the region, Christodoulides said.
Cyprus’ election to the UN Human Rights Council not only strengthens the country’s regional and international footprint but is also indicative of the way the international community approaches Cyprus over the issue of human rights, he underlined.
The election comes at a time when Cyprus’ role in the region, though the dispatch of humanitarian aid, and the evacuation of third country nationals is acknowledged by the international community, he added, noting that it is no accident that Nicosia received the second highest number of votes from the member states.
“It is within this framework that I am welcoming this afternoon in Cyprus the President of the European Commission and tomorrow the King of Jordan and the heads of the nine mediterranean EU member states to discuss the developments in the region and the ways the EU may undertake particular initiatives for de-escalation as well as for strengthening the humanitarian assistance in the region.”
He said that ahead of the new cycle, beginning in the EU, the priorities of the Commission, as well as the issues concerning the Mediterranean Sea and the Mediterranean EU member states are high in the agenda, while noting the “positive decision” of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to create a portfolio concerning the Mediterranean.
Moreover, Christodoulides noted that all these developments are taking place while Nicosia’s efforts about the need to resume settlement talks are acknowledged. He said that he is going to New York next week to meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader, in the presence of the UN Secretary-General.
“All these efforts on a regional, European and international level demonstrate precisely our effort which is at the same time our number one priority to end the occupation and reunite our country.”
Asked if he hopes for a positive development to come out of the tripartite meeting, Christodoulides said he was hopeful.
“I am going to New York precisely to have a positive result. I am neither interested in a blame game, nor in accusations, condemnations and so forth. It is our homeland that is under occupation, and we have the responsibility to do whatever is possible and I am going to New York precisely with these thoughts” in mind, he said.
