The President of the Republic returns to Cyprus tonight, where he will meet with the UN Assistant Secretary General and prepare for his meetings at the upcoming European Council in Brussels, Government Spokesman Mr.
In a statement to journalists in Athens, Mr. Letybiotis said that "the President's meetings in Athens conclude today. After yesterday's meetings, he had meetings today with the leaders of the parliamentary parties, whom he briefed on the priorities set by the Cypriot Government, particularly on the issue of our national problem, as well as on the President's proposal for a more active involvement of the EU in the effort to break the deadlock and the immediate resumption of negotiations, always within the framework of the United Nations.
It was a very substantial visit by the President of the Republic. Apart from its symbolic character, it made a substantial contribution to the exchange of views with the Prime Minister and the President of Greece, as well as with the leaders of the political parties.
The President of the Republic returns to Cyprus tonight and tomorrow he will have a meeting with Mrs Rosemary di Carlo and to prepare for the bilateral contacts he will have next week at the European Council."
Asked about Greece's support for the President's proposal, the Spokesman said that "as the Prime Minister of Greece said yesterday, they look positively at the more active involvement of the EU and what the President is focusing on is preparing the ground so that at the European Council and at his meeting with Mr. Michel - which is why he will be going earlier for a private meeting - to develop his proposal in detail and to prepare the ground so that in the very near future we can be ready for a resumption of negotiations through EU involvement."
Asked about the French President's invitation to President Christodoulides to visit Paris, the Spokesman said that "in the context of arranging a meeting, on the margins of the European Council, with Mr Macron, the will to have the President visit Paris after the European Council, in order to discuss in greater detail the aspects of the President's proposal".
Asked to comment on AKEL's criticisms on the issue of the establishment of a High Council with Greece, Letybiotis said that "the President had already stated that a meeting of the National Council was scheduled to take place immediately after the European Council, in order to inform the political leaders about what would take place in Brussels. It is at least regrettable that such important institutionalized decisions are not supported.
Let me remind you that Cyprus has established a similar Council with Egypt, Greece has a similar Council with several Balkan countries and even with Turkey.
What is important at the moment and what we must keep in mind is that the excellent relations between Cyprus and Greece over time, and no one can dispute this, are now being institutionalized through this body, for better cooperation and coordination on common goals and objectives, such as energy and shipping, beyond our national problem.
Asked to comment on criticisms that the President was interfering with the work of the Minister of Health on the issue of the nurses' work stoppage, the Spokesman said "no interference. He was in full consultation with the Minister of Health, the President, who had a packed schedule yesterday. Last night he was informed by the Minister about this work stoppage announced by the nurses.
He contacted the nurses himself and asked that they expect him to arrive in Cyprus to receive an update, as did the Health Minister herself, as to exactly what the issue is.
And the nurses have accepted it and it is to their credit. The President wants to keep the dialogue open with organised groups, with social partners and there will be an announcement immediately upon his arrival."
(PM/MP/MG/SX)
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