Cyprus, being itself a victim of foreign invasion and the ongoing occupation of its territories and under the constant threat of Turkey, fully understands the plight of Ukraine and its people, President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, in his intervention during yesterday's dinner of the leaders of the EU Member States, which took place in the framework of the Informal Meeting of the European Council in Versailles.
In a statement to the media from Paris, Government Spokesman Marios Pelicanos said that "the dinner of the leaders of the EU Member States, during which the situation in Ukraine was thoroughly discussed, has come to an end."
In his statement, the President of the Republic once again condemned the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, underlining Cyprus' support and solidarity with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
He also noted that Cyprus, being itself a victim of foreign invasion and the continued occupation of its territories and under constant threat from Turkey, fully understands the plight of Ukraine and its people, especially the civilians and people who are being displaced.
The President of the Republic further noted that it is crucial that the international actor work to secure, as soon as possible, a ceasefire agreement that will end the bloodshed and pave the way for negotiations.
The President of the Republic also stated that, despite the non-negligible cost to the economies of EU Member States and countries as a result of the sanctions against Russia, adherence to international law and respect for the territorial integrity of EU states and all other states is indispensable. However, as the President recorded, at the same time, Turkey, a candidate country for EU membership, is refusing to align itself with the sanctions, thereby taking economic advantage of the situation and undermining the intended effectiveness of the sanctions. Finally, referring to the refugee wave from Ukraine, President Anastasiades said that more than three thousand Ukrainian refugees have already arrived and are being hosted in Cyprus, noting that Cyprus also supports all efforts to ensure permanent access for humanitarian aid missions.
In this context and as a result of the immediate mobilisation of the Cypriot people, Cyprus sent symbolic financial aid to Kiev and last Tuesday, we sent the first humanitarian aid package, which includes medical supplies, food and equipment related to civil protection."
(PM/MG/EXP)
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