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Tag: Constantinos Kombos

  • EU Must Act on Gaza, Says Cyprus Foreign Minister

    EU Must Act on Gaza, Says Cyprus Foreign Minister

    The European Union “cannot remain mere observers” on the matter of Gaza, stated Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during a session with the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee on Wednesday.

    • “Efforts are being made by Brussels to formulate a common position and stance in this regard,” he said, adding that these conversations “have not yet reached a conclusion.”

    Kombos emphasised the need for the EU to coordinate its efforts fully and act based on international law. He highlighted Cyprus’s significant contributions in humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Amalthea humanitarian aid corridor. “We must move in full coordination and on the basis of international law,” he asserted.

    His remarks come in light of the Cypriot government’s recent announcements regarding its potential participation in the United States’ Gaza Board of Peace. Last week, Kombos indicated that Cyprus would await a unified EU position before deciding on involvement, noting that discussions in Brussels to formulate a common stance are ongoing.

    “Efforts are being made by Brussels to formulate a common position and stance in this regard,” he said, adding that these conversations “have not yet reached a conclusion.”

    Cyprus’s approach has been characterised by a careful and balanced strategy, as communicated to the American side. The Foreign Minister mentioned that the government is maintaining a “particularly positive approach” towards the prospect of joining the Board of Peace, which seeks to address the complex issues facing Gaza.

    There have been reports that Cyprus received an invitation to join the board. According to Bloomberg, however, each participating country may be required to pay a membership fee of $1 billion. This claim was later addressed by Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, who clarified that the reports do not reflect reality.

    Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin was also invited to join the board, and he confirmed the existence of the $1 billion fee. The Board of Peace is designed to include a broad coalition of countries focused on stabilising Gaza.

    The board will also have a seven-member executive team, which includes prominent figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. Each member will oversee critical portfolios aimed at fostering long-term success and governance in Gaza.

    Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, who previously served as the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, has been appointed as the board’s high representative for Gaza. The White House stated he would serve as the on-the-ground link between the Board of Peace and a new national committee for Gaza’s administration, led by civil engineer Ali Shaath.

    In a parallel initiative, the White House has established a separate “Gaza executive board” tasked with supporting effective governance and delivering essential services aimed at promoting peace and prosperity for the region. This board includes notable members such as Sigrid Kaag, the incumbent UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

  • Cyprus — Kombos Urges Turkey to Seize Opportunity in Cyprus Relations

    Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has called on Turkey to seize the opportunity regarding Cyprus and its evolving relationship with the European Union. In a recent interview with the newspaper Phileleftheros, Kombos addressed the potential invitation for Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to an informal meeting of European foreign ministers in Limassol, scheduled for later this year.

    Kombos emphasised that Turkey is not excluded from the Republic of Cyprus, urging the nation to choose collaboration over self-exclusion. He referenced President Nikos Christodoulides’ proposal to invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet with EU member states and neighbouring countries in Cyprus in April. “Turkey is not excluded from the Republic of Cyprus, but Turkey must choose whether to insist on its own self-exclusion,” he stated. “We seek for Turkey to seize the opportunity, in connection with its Cyprus-related obligations.”

    Fidan had previously suggested that Cyprus’ six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, which commenced last Thursday, could serve as a pivotal moment for Turkey. He lamented ongoing challenges posed by the Greek Cypriot administration, claiming they obstruct Turkey on the international stage. Despite these obstacles, he expressed hope for a softening of this stance in the near future. “They obstruct us whenever they get the chance. However, I think that in the face of the current threats which Europe is facing, cooperation and relations between the European Union and Turkey have become more meaningful than ever,” Fidan remarked.

    Fidan raised concerns about a potential Mediterranean agreement that would exclude Turkey, characterising such a proposal as “illegitimate” from their perspective. He claimed that the EU has historically acquiesced to what he described as the arrogance of the Greek Cypriot administration, which he believes threatens the EU’s security architecture.

    Meanwhile, Christodoulides’ overtures towards Erdogan have stirred controversy. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman responded critically to comments made by Christodoulides in an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, where the Cypriot President stated his willingness to engage with Erdogan to discuss the Cyprus issue and work towards a negotiated settlement. Erhurman accused Christodoulides of disregarding the Turkish Cypriot community, asserting that their presence is crucial in any negotiations facilitated under the United Nations. “The Turkish Cypriot people exist. They are one of the two equal founding partners on the island, and we will not tolerate them being ignored or treated as if they do not exist through statements or agreements,” he said.