Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has informed French President Francois Hollande on the ongoing Cyprus problem negotiations, during their meeting at 12:30 pm on Wednesday.
After their hour-long meeting and a welcome by the French military, President Anastasiades said that the meeting with President Hollande was productive, since – aside from bilateral relations – they were able to focus their attention on the ongoing Cyprus problem situation.
The President mentioned that the two had discussed the efforts being made and to be made to achieve the goal they have set out: “That is to say, to achieve a solution, which will be accepted in its whole by all of the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots – even if what I say sounds optimistic – by the end of 2016,” President Anastasiades said.
“Of course, in this sense, Turkey’s stance will play an important role, since there are key issues that are exclusively dependent on their will and contribution” the President added.
Invited to comment on France’s stance towards Turkey, bearing in mind that Paris is often tougher on Turkey than other EU countries, the President pointed out that France’s stance is entirely in line with international law, it is not in favour or against Turkey, but in favour of international law.
Kasoulides discusses with officials from TOTAL
Asked whether they discussed TOTAL’s engagement in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, the President said that they did not touch upon this issue, however this matter was raised during a meeting the Cyprus FM Ioannis Kasoulides had in the morning with company officials. He added that the President of TOTAL will be visiting Cyprus soon and they will have the chance to discuss further this issue.
President Anastasiades noted that an international competition is underway, there are rules and EU supervision and therefore the French President could not possibly intervene in any way.
He said that there is interest from the French, the Italians, and the Americans, but the procedures are transparent.
EU Council to discuss Syria in detail
President Anastasiades said that they also discussed developments in Syria and that the issue will be the focus of the next European Council where they will have the chance to get involved in a detailed dialogue.
Cyprus President was in Paris following a visit to London and a meeting with UK Premier Theresa May. Earlier on his was in NY for the UNGA and a tripartite meeting with SG Ban Ki Moon and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.
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