The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, expressed his absolute satisfaction with the way the Prime Minister of Greece presented the Cyprus problem during his contacts in the United States.
In his statements to reporters after his visit to the UAE Embassy where he signed the book of condolences on the death of the President of the country, the President of the Republic was asked about the telephone conversation he had today with the Prime Minister of Greece in connection with his contacts in the US, he said that "I am absolutely satisfied with the way the Greek Prime Minister has raised both the broader issues concerning peace in the Eastern Mediterranean region, but especially the way in which the Cyprus problem was raised, always in the right dimensions, through his meeting with President Biden, but also in a series of contacts he had with Congress and other American officials".
In response to a reporter's remark about Turkey's reactions to Famagusta and Ankara's irritation with regard to the Greek Prime Minister's contacts in the US, the President said that "Ankara's irritation alone demonstrates how well the Greek Prime Minister has handled the whole issue. And that is something we are very pleased about."
On the Famagusta issue, I have been duly informed by those who are monitoring what is happening in the occupied territories, it is a new unacceptable provocation which we will certainly not let go unnoticed. We will make appropriate representations to those who today appear to be the defenders of international law."
Asked if Turkey's refusal to allow Finland and Sweden to join NATO is an opportunity, including with Cyprus' contribution, to change the attitude of some countries towards Turkey, the President said "I wish it depended on our contribution, but, unfortunately, always bearing in mind the long-standing behaviour of states, behaviour is determined primarily by the interests of each country or coalition and then, unfortunately, by international law.
But this does not disappoint us, we will continue to insist that at last matters of principle raised about the violation of the sovereignty of one country cannot ignore the same violation by another country and especially a country that constantly challenges both the international community and its allies, NATO and its future partners, as it expects, Europe."
Asked what the world can expect in terms of dealing with the economic crisis, the President said that "I don't want to anticipate. The state has a degree of possibility and financial leeway. What we are interested in, and it is something that all countries are certainly facing as a result, unfortunately, of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is to see how we can help mitigate the problems of vulnerable groups of the population and beyond."
Asked to comment on yesterday's incidents on the part of goat farmers and whether he was bothered by them, the President said that "not bothered about making demands, but if there is any bother at all it is about the ways of behaviour. For information, a meeting will also be held next week with the cheese makers so that they realize that they cannot speculate at the expense of the suppliers or especially the sheep and goat farmers, they should bear in mind that there will be strict controls on the inclusion of sheep and goat milk in the manufacture of haloumi and therefore I hope that a way will be found.
The Government has already announced eight million euros in aid, but it is not possible for the Government to bear the burden of some people's refusal to implement obligations that they have under the haloumi manufacturing standard. Let me be clear, and we will be absolute and rigorous in the controls that must be carried out to ensure that the conditions as stipulated by the Protocol, by the approval of the relevant Directive are met, and therefore I will not tolerate any violation of the provisions or conditions that must distinguish the manufacture of haloumi."
Asked to comment on reports by the Vice President of the European Commission and the Foreign Minister about Russia's interference in the presidential elections, President Anastasiades said that "I would not want to get involved in a similar (issue). I don't think that Mr. Margaritis Schinas had the intention to get involved. But it is better to avoid such references that may create false images regarding the role. Of course, between the political families of Europe, whether they are called Social Democrats or Liberals or the European People's Party, there is mutual support whenever there is an election, but we should be particularly careful so that the distinct role of the officials is clear.
(PM/MG/SX)
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