Discussions on the security issue, which has been “taboo for 40 years”, are important, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said on Monday attending the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
He added that the decision to start discussions on the security and guarantees aspect of the Cyprus problem at a technical level is an important step forward.
“The fact proves the will of both sides to find a solution, which will satisfy the sense of security of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots,” he said.
Kasoulides informed his EU counterparts on the latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations, and the decision to keep the conference on Cyprus an open-ended process.
The Foreign Minister said that the solution will allow Cyprus to be a completely independent and sovereign state, without the guarantees of a third country.
Kasoulides said that the solution without guarantees is important because the people of Cyprus will be called to vote in a referendum, which should not contain doubts that separate the island from other states.
He also expressed his satisfaction at the presence of the EU at the conference on Cyprus.
Kasoulides thanked EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker and High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini for their participation at the conference on Cyprus last week, as the issue involves a member state of the Union.
The Foreign Minister also expressed his gratitude to his UK counterpart Boris Johnson, as well as his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias for their roles in the process.
On her part, Mogherini noted that the conference in Geneva was a historic moment, and that both leaders are seeking a solution.
Regarding the next stage of talks in Mont Pelerin, Mogherini said that “the world needs such positive news,” as a solution will be a “benefit” for Cyprus and the region.
Source: CNA
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