Migration - Inclusion of a reference to the text of the European Council Conclusions in the preparation of an Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean as a priority issue
The President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Anastasiades participated in the proceedings of the Special European Council held yesterday, 9 February 2023, in Brussels.
During the meeting, the European leaders discussed three main issues.
As for the substance of the discussion on migration, it focused on the external dimension of the problem and the development of actions and cooperation with third countries of origin and transit of migrants in order to prevent irregular arrivals and intensify the return of those who are not entitled to protection. In addition, ways will be promoted to prevent instrumentalisation and combat traffickers.
The President of the Republic once again presented data that highlight the unbearable pressures that our country is under due to the continued instrumentalisation of the migration issue by Turkey. President Anastasiades insisted and achieved the inclusion of a reference in the text of the Conclusions, according to which an Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean will be submitted by the European Commission as a priority issue, along the lines of the Western Balkans and Central Mediterranean Plans. The Action Plan will include holistic operational and diplomatic actions, aiming at a rapid and effective reduction of flows and mitigation of pressures on the affected Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus.
In addition, the President of the Republic expressed his full support for the efforts being made to conclude the negotiations on the Pact on Immigration and Asylum, which should ensure a balance between the principle of responsibility and solidarity.
In the margins of the European Council, European leaders referred to the EU's response to the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. For his part, President Anastasiades expressed his deep sorrow personally, but also that of the entire Cypriot people for the hundreds of deaths caused by the strong earthquake in Turkey and Syria, including a number of Turkish Cypriot citizens. In this context, he informed his counterparts that the Republic of Cyprus has expressed readiness to send a rescue team to Turkey to assist in the rescue efforts of survivors trapped in the rubble of buildings.
(MF/MG/EXP)
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