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.