-
.
- Ελληνικά
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos today briefed representatives of the media.In his opening statement, Kombos referred to the conclusions of the European Council, stating: "As far as the paltry conclusions of the European Council are concerned, let us stress that they satisfy our side. In essence, we see the objective that was set for linking Euro-Turkish issues with those of the Cyprus problem being implemented. Therefore, the specific timing was chosen in order to put this effort into practice. It is the beginning of a process for Turkey. It is not an automated process; it has specific conditions and preconditions. It is based on an evaluative basis of criteria, which relate to both general obligations and Cypriot obligations, as well as issues relating to the Cyprus problem, which was also reflected in the pseudo-conclusions. We believe that it is now the responsibility of Turkey to respond in relation to the next step. We have made an important opening in this direction. The Turkish side now has a very specific choice to make. Of course, we have just seen the statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, which expressed its dissatisfaction with the conclusions of the European Council. But the message we have conveyed to our European partners is that the Republic of Cyprus has responded in such a way as to give a boost to the effort to resume the talks. Now the Turkish side has a choice whether it wants this to go ahead, or whether this will affect the Euro-Turkish process as it has started yesterday."
Asked how the interconnection will take place in practical terms and whether the Cypriot side expects anything from the Council in order to start the interconnection of the Euro-Turkish with the Cyprus problem, taking into account the six-month timetable that the Turkish side is giving to the Holguín mission, Kobos said: "There is the report, which was the subject of discussions in the European Council. The Borrell report, which contains concrete steps in various areas. This process can now begin on the basis of the way the European Union works. You saw yesterday that there was a specific reference to Coreper, which is given the task of taking the next steps, always, of course, within the framework of the competences of the institutions of the European Union. Therefore, this effort, this possibility is beginning. Each point, each station has its own requirements. Therefore, one cannot expect that such a short period of time will be sufficient to reach a conclusion on all the issues raised in the report. It is, however, a start, which the Turkish side was keenly seeking. Our side has now taken the position that we are prepared to look at all those possibilities that the report sets out, but which are within the framework of the way the Union operates, with the necessary criteria that exist, the criteria that are applied in each of the cases of the individual sections of the Borrell report."
Asked by a journalist about Kosovo and whether the Council of Europe's decision poses a risk of a secessionist entity and opens the door to similar cases, Kobos replied, "I think it is a development which is by no means pleasant for our side, or for any side committed to the absolute application of international law. It is, however, a different case if we consider that the Kosovo side has been recognised, and even to the point of being able to go through the Council of Europe. The vote was taken last year to start the process, the report of which was the one that was adopted the day before yesterday, so that it can go to the next step. Our position cannot be changed. It is a firm position, and last year, when we were at the starting point of the process, the Republic of Cyprus voted against it. The day before yesterday at parliamentary level, likewise, and in every case where this issue comes up again, our position is a principled position and we stand on it. There is, of course, a risk to our own issues. We are living with a situation of trying to prevent the coordinated actions of the separatist entity and we are trying precisely to prevent and thwart such initiatives and moves."
Asked whether it is worrying that such a development comes from a country like Greece, the Minister replied. We are in contact with countries which have had the same view as ours. We are in contact with countries that had a different view and perception. On some issues our position is very clear as to where we stand, which is against this attempt to upgrade this particular case, this particular entity."
Asked whether the development can be overturned by the Council of Ministers or whether ratification is now procedural, Kobos said: "Let's wait and see the outcome there as well, but if one takes into account the initial vote to start the process last March, I think there is a good indication as to where things could move."
(AF/MF/IT)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
