The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Erato
Kozakou-Marcoullis, had a meeting today, at the Foreign Ministry with
the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine, Dr Riad al-Malki, in the
framework of an official visit to Cyprus, at the invitation of his
Cypriot counterpart.
During the consultations, issues of bilateral relations, the Cyprus problem, the EU-Palestinian relations and regional developments, with particular emphasis on the Middle East Peace Process, especially following the upgrade of the status of Palestine in the United Nations and the completion of the recent elections in Israel and the US, were among the subjects of discussion.
After their meeting, the two Ministers held a joint Press conference. In her statements, the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs, referring to the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Palestine, noted that the meeting was held in a very constructive climate and expressed certainty that the multifaceted and long-lasting bilateral relations between the two countries will be further enhanced and developed. The Cyprus-Palestinian relations have been given an added impetus during the recent years, as is indicated by the opening of the Cyprus Representation Office in Ramallah in 2009, the Minister noted.
During today’s meeting, Dr Kozakou-Marcoullis briefed her Palestinian counterpart on the decision of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to upgrade the status of the Palestinian diplomatic representation in Cyprus from that of a Diplomatic Mission to that of an Embassy of the State of Palestine. “This important decision is in line with the recognition of the Palestinian State, in 1988, by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus, and it follows the relevant practice of seven other European Union Member States that have recognized the Palestinian State also in 1988, namely Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Malta,” the Cyprus Minister said. She added that the decision reflects Cyprus’ long-standing principled position on the Palestinian issue, most recently demonstrated at the UN General Assembly by the positive vote of Cyprus for an upgraded status of the Palestinian state, and illustrates the solidarity of the people of Cyprus with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause. “Cyprus remains ready to contribute, both bilaterally and internationally, to the further development and welfare of the Palestinian society”, Dr Kozakou-Marcoullis said.
The two Ministers also discussed extensively the Middle East Peace Process. The Foreign Minister expressed Cyprus’ full support to the achievement of a solution to this long-standing problem which will lead to the fulfilment of the Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty and those of the Israelis for security. According to Dr Kozakou-Marcoullis, “this solution should be a comprehensive one and the result of negotiations, based on the two-state solution, and would entail that the State of Israel will peacefully co-exist with an independent, contiguous and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital”. In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined that all international efforts must be focused on containing the situation and restarting the process.
She also stressed the need for a more enhanced EU role in the substantial efforts for reaching peace in 2013. “Cyprus will remain active in the Foreign Affairs Council in its encouragement of an urgent most crucial EU initiative, in cooperation with the US and other international partners, based on the solid EU position on the Middle East, as reflected in the Council conclusions adopted so far”, the Minister added.
In this respect, Dr Kozakou-Marcoullis expressed Cyprus’ strong condemnation of the settlement activity taking place in the West Bank, which is illegal under international law and constitutes an obstacle to peace. In relation with Israel’s recent declarations of planning to develop the E1 area, the Minister expressed Cyprus’ strong opposition, since such an action would undermine the prospects of a negotiated resolution by jeopardizing the possibility of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state and of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states.
Regarding regional issues, the discussion focused on the current situation in the Middle East, while the two Ministers particularly focused on the ongoing tragedy taking place in Syria.
On his part, the Foreign Minister of the State of Palestine expressed his pleasure for being in Cyprus for the second time within a six-month period, while he extended his country’s appreciation towards Cyprus, for its support to the Palestine’s successful bid last November in the United Nations General Assembly to elevate their status from UN observer to non-member observer state.
Referring to the upgrading of the Palestinian diplomatic mission to Cyprus to embassy status, Dr al-Malki stated that this is a historic decision that sends important messages, while he thanked the Cyprus Government and people for all their support towards the Palestinian people and cause over the years. He further expressed the hope that this strong and courageous step taken by Cyprus today will be followed by other Member States within the EU, by taking the same decision to upgrade the status of the Palestinian diplomatic missions to Embassies of the State of Palestine.
In addition, the Palestinian Minister said that with his Cypriot counterpart they had the opportunity to discuss various issues in a frank, friendly and warm atmosphere, among which bilateral issues, the situation in Palestine, and the lack of prospects for the resumption of negotiations, as well as regional matters. As the Minister noted, they also discussed the dire financial situation in the country, describing it as a punishment on the part of Israel for Palestine’s decision “to go to the UN”.
As regards the Cyprus problem, Dr al-Malki reiterated Palestine’s supportive stance for the territorial integrity of Cyprus, the unity of the island and a peaceful resolution based on the UN Security Council resolutions and in the framework of the UN process. “We always support this process, because this is the right process that will provide justice and will bring peace to the island,” the Palestinian Foreign Minister underlined.
Furthermore, Dr al-Malki expressed hope that the upcoming visits of the US President, Mr Barack Obama, and the new US Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, to both Israel and Palestine, will produce further interest in trying to revive the prospects for the resumption of negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
Finally, the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that he will continue to work towards the improvement and deepening of the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Palestine, as well as cooperation within international fora.
Replying to a relevant question, the Palestinian Foreign Minister stated that Palestine has missions and Embassies in around 100 countries. Almost 80 of them are at the level of Embassies, while few are at the level of less than an Embassy, as diplomatic missions. Invited to comment on Press reports in Cyprus that a Palestinian Bank will be licensed to operate in Cyprus, he said “I don’t know”, adding that it is up to the Cypriot authorities to decide. “If the Cypriot authorities would like to ask the State of Palestine for any kind of information we would be ready to provide that information”, he said.
Dr al-Malki also thanked Cyprus for its support to Palestine as regards training programs and scholarships, and said that Cyprus has been instrumental in trying to develop the position of the EU to look into ways how to support and ease the financial crisis of Palestine.
Referring to the same issue, the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs said that since 2008 Cyprus has contributed more than two million US dollars in development cooperation, but also in the form of scholarships and training of civil servants of Palestine, adding that “we are ready to continue”.
