Statements
of the Government Spokesman, Mr Nicos Christodoulides,
in
a CyBC radio programme
The
Government of the Republic of Cyprus continues its efforts to prevent
the Turkish intentions, based on special planning, the Government
Spokesman, Mr Nicos Christodoulides, stressed today. In his
statements in a CyBC radio programme this morning, Mr Christodoulides
welcomed the results of President Anastasiades’ contacts in Milan.
Assessing
the results of these meetings, Mr Christodoulides welcomed the stance
expressed by EU leaders, as well as by leaders of Asian states. All
interlocutors condemned the Turkish intentions, while, at the same
time, supported the unconditional right of the Republic of Cyprus to
exploit its hydrocarbon resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
A common ground was shown in all the meetings regarding the issue
arisen.
The
Government Spokesman reiterated the commitment of the Government to
continue its efforts, in order to prevent the intentions of Turkey,
adding that there is a specific planning, which will lead to specific
actions depending on the developments.
Invited
to comment on the position of Russia on the issue, Mr Christodoulides
said that it remains a position of principles. He underlined that, as
the Government has repeatedly noted, there is no problem in the
relations with Moscow. “The changes in our foreign policy do not
occur against our relations with traditionally friendly countries,
such as Russia”, he stressed, and added that the strong relations
between Cyprus and Russia were reaffirmed during the meetings of the
President of the Republic with President Putin and the Russian
Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Milan.
The
Republic of Cyprus is not the only country, beyond Russia, concerned
about the Turkish intentions. Given the developments in the region of
Eastern Mediterranean, with the ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Syria and
Lebanon, when a third country violates the sovereign rights of
another state, its neighboring (of Cyprus) states are also concerned.
“In this framework, Turkey’s actions cause the reaction of an
important number of states”, he noted.
Asked
if a visit was scheduled of President Anastasiades to Moscow, the
Government Spokesman said that there is a process undergoing at
diplomatic level for the conclusion of agreements to be signed during
the President’s visit. At the same time, an invitation was extended
to the President of the Republic to attend, in 2015, celebrations in
Moscow. The contacts will continue, and if a need emerges, depending
on the developments, visits will be held in the future.
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