The Cyprus problem, developments in Ukraine, the Immigration issue and the achievements of the French EU Presidency were among the issues on which the President of the Republic, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades during his speech at the lunch hosted by the French Ambassador to Cyprus, Mrs Salina Grenay-Catalano, on the occasion of the end of the French EU Presidency.
Speaking at the lunch, which was attended by the Ambassadors of the EU member states at the residence of the French Ambassador, the President of the Republic referred extensively to the achievements of the French Presidency in the EU on issues such as tackling climate change, the development of the Common European Asylum System, EU Security and Defence issues and the Ukraine issue.
With regard to Ukraine, the President of the Republic said, inter alia, that "it is imperative that we remain focused on diplomatic efforts to end the Russian aggression in a way that also reflects the will of Kiev."
With regard to the energy crisis brought about by the war in Ukraine, the President of the Republic said that "the present circumstances can act as a catalyst for new energy corridors. Cyprus can play its own role in this collective EU effort".
Referring to the Cyprus problem, President Anastasiades said that there is a parallel between the Ukrainian and the Cyprus problem, noting that Moscow's pretexts for invading Ukraine are the same as those of Turkey in 1974 when it invaded Cyprus.
President Anastasiades also made extensive reference to Turkey's ongoing provocations and aggressive rhetoric against the Republic of Cyprus, as well as its claims for two states in Cyprus in violation of international law.
He assured, however, the Ambassadors of the EU Member States that until the last day of his term of office he would not stop efforts to resume negotiations for a settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as envisaged by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Finally, referring to the migration issue, the President of the Republic said that Cyprus is facing a serious problem, facing disproportionate pressure compared to other European countries, due to migratory flows, especially from the occupied territories, noting that asylum seekers have reached 5% of the population and pointing out that the migration issue is an issue that the EU must address collectively.
(PM/EC)
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