The European Union is taking an increasingly active role in the Cyprus issue. From Paris, Ursula von der Leyen briefed Nicos Christodoulides, in person, about her dinner with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, as well as her phone conversation with the UN Secretary-General.

Sources in Nicosia report that the two sides agreed that substantial progress must first be made on the Cyprus issue, and then on EU-Turkey relations.

However, this position is not mentioned in a post by the President of the European Commission following the meeting.

“The European Union is ready to make every effort to support the UN’s efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, within the framework of the UN and in accordance with the principles, values, and legislation of the European Union.” ^{Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission}

The President of the Republic thanked the Commission President during their meeting the President of the European Commission for the appointment of Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto as Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue.

As captured by photographers’ flashes in Paris, at one point, Nikos Christodoulides was seen standing very close to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Sources in Nicosia speak of a brief meeting.

However, sources in Ankara report that President Christodoulides asked to speak with him, and Fidan refused.

Storm Over Fito

The appointment of the Italian official continues to spark a storm of reactions in Turkey and the occupied territories.

With the European Commission attempting to calm the situation by assuring that the new special envoy will engage with all relevant parties and interlocutors without exception in order to lay the groundwork for the resumption of negotiations.

“These contacts include both communities in Cyprus. As for his appointment, it is also based on extensive consultations with relevant parties.” ^{Louise Bozi, European Commission Spokesperson}

“We are talking here about an experienced politician with a wealth of relevant experience in governance, regional cooperation, and institutional dialogue.He was appointed because we believe he possesses the necessary skills and experience.” ^{Olof Gol, Deputy Spokesperson for the European Commission}

“There was a joint reaction from Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side to the appointment of Raffaele Fito.” ^{Halkin Seshi}

“There is no trust in the European Union. The European Commission continues to approach the Cyprus issue in a biased manner.” ^Kipris

“Cooperation between the European Union and the Turkish Cypriot side should be developed on the basis of equality and mutual trust.” ^{Mehmet Dana, Turkish Cypriot negotiator}

It is impossible to expect Brussels to remain neutral in any future process.

Complaint Regarding the Pipeline

At the same time, Nicosia is denouncing to European institutions, through Konstantinos Kompos, Ankara’s illegal agreement with the pseudo-state to construct a natural gas pipeline from Turkey to the occupied territories.

Kaya Callas is sending a clear message to Erdogan.

“Cyprus has raised the issue of Turkey’s plan for a natural gas pipeline involving the island. The European Union expects Ankara to respect the sovereignty and rights of all EU member states.” ^{Kaya Kallas, EU High Representative}

Reactions to The Independent

The British Independent’s report on a new plan to resolve the Cyprus issue did not go unnoticed.

Not at the United Nations, nor in Turkey.

“Obviously, we’ve seen the Independent’s report. We’ve read the story. The Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Maria Olgin, remain committed to supporting the leaders in Cyprus in resuming negotiations.” ^{Stéphane Dujarric, UN Spokesperson}

The newspaper Hürriyet reports on a plan for a loose federation, a two-year transition period, and a new security system under NATO.

See the report by Giorgos Georgiadis