Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides hopes that there will be mobility with the MOE by the summer, noting that our proposal cannot be rejected so easily because the TCs are also missing an important opportunity for their own progress and prosperity.
In an interview with Politis tis Kyriaki, the Foreign Minister said that our efforts "are paying off" and that he hoped for a positive response.
"I started this effort, I hope it will be completed during my term of office," he said."
He said the proposals are not a take it or leave it package, but a package that can be negotiated.
The minister said that with their new actions in Varosha, the Turks seem to be seeking to assimilate the enclosed town, which is uninhabited, with the rest of the occupied areas where there is a user and owner. He said that the Turks are using Varosha as an element of blackmail.
Asked whether he expects movement on the Cyprus problem before the 23rd presidential election, the Foreign Minister expressed confidence that the only realistic movement will be on the MoU and there may be movement before the elections. "Besides, our elections are not the issue, Turkey's elections next summer are the issue," he said.
Asked about our relations with the US, he replied that they are currently at their best level ever and that we have made small steps forward on issues related to stability and security in the region.
On relations with Russia, he said that we have been classed as an unfriendly country, adding that we have proven that we have also made sacrifices and participated as a reliable partner of the EU in the sanctions against Russia.
He said this is important "because we no longer give the image of someone who is standing on two boats - it is easier for us to be accused that our weight on Russia's boat is greater."
On the discussion about NATO membership, the Foreign Minister said that there are reasons not in favour of doing so (applying) and that we are not in a hurry and there is no reason for it.
We are prioritising, the Foreign Minister said, what will happen with Finland and Sweden and "then we will see". "And I believe that Turkey will not prevent either Finland or Sweden from joining NATO. It will try to extract quid pro quo and in the end it will acquiesce."
Source: CNA
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