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Foreign Minister Dr Konstantinos Kombos participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), which took place today in Brussels.The Foreign Ministers held a strategic discussion on Turkey and Euro-Turkish relations following the Turkish elections, and exchanged views on developments in Ukraine. This was followed by an informal exchange of views with the US Secretary of State, as well as a discussion on a number of foreign policy issues in the international news.
During the discussion on Turkey, the Foreign Minister first referred to the 49th anniversary of the Turkish invasion, noting that 20 July was a tragic day for Cyprus. Kobos added that the Turkish President chose today as the day to illegally enter the occupied territories, which demonstrates Turkey's longstanding policy of consolidating the fait accompli of the invasion and continued occupation, noting our strong condemnation of this provocative and illegal action.
With regard to EU-Turkey relations, the Foreign Minister stressed, inter alia, that EU-Turkey relations are governed by a specific conditionality and that the assessment of relations should be made on the basis of the progress made by Ankara. Kobos added that our approach towards Turkey should be gradual, proportional and reversible, noting that this is also provided for in the relevant European Council Conclusions. After referring to the President's initiative to break the deadlock on the Cyprus issue, the Foreign Minister stressed that the Conclusions of the recent European Council in June made explicit reference to the need to resume talks immediately, linking Turkey's position on the Cyprus issue with the future of Euro-Turkish relations. Kobos stressed that Turkey's European aspirations pass through Cyprus and concrete steps are expected from Ankara in relation to the resumption of the Cyprus settlement talks.
Subsequently, the "27" exchanged views with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken via teleconference on issues of common interest in EU-US relations. In his intervention, the Secretary of State said that our coordinated response to Russian aggression against Ukraine is a concrete example of transatlantic cooperation and unity. Together we are defending together the fundamental values and principles of international law, he underlined. He also referred to the 3+1 formation of Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States as an example of strategic cooperation, which confirms the common commitment to promote peace, stability, security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Kobos called for the joint support of the EU and the US for the resumption of talks leading to the resolution of the Cyprus issue.
Finally, during the discussion on Ukraine, the Foreign Minister reiterated Cyprus' full support to the Government and people of Ukraine. In this context, he noted that Cyprus supports the EU's future security commitments to Ukraine in the context of a global approach to support the country.
(OP)
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