Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas’s visit to Nicosia was quiet and uneventful. It was a visit that sent important messages, primarily outside Cyprus but also within the country.
Of particular importance to the government was the Palestinian leader’s statement that not only is he not bothered by Nicosia’s close tiesand Tel Aviv, but that these relations could also play a significant role in the Palestinian issue.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Yes, you can play a very important role. I won’t go into the excellent relationship that exists between the Palestinian people and the Cypriot people and the Republic of Cyprus, but you also have excellent relations, and rightly so, with Israel, so you can play a role in mediating between the two sides, based on a political solution grounded in international law and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.”
Mahmoud Abbas – President of the Palestinian Authority
For the government, Abbas’s visit also serves as a response to domestic criticism regarding a pro-Israeli policy that is constantly expanding into more and more areas.
“The Republic of Cyprus is ready to play whatever role you believe we can play toward fostering cooperation in our region.”
Nikos Christodoulides
We cannot change geography. That is why we must all work together, based on a positive agenda and a positive approach.
Highlighting the close ties between the two sides, Nikos Christodoulides pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus has recognized Palestine since 1988, and that its position is clear, based on the agreed framework of United Nations resolutions.
Abbas has stated that he wants negotiations on the creation of a Palestinian state with Israel’s new government.
“And here, once the government is formed, it is your role to support it—since you have such good intentions and are also a neighboring country— a friendly neighboring people, to play a role so that this peaceful dialogue yields legitimate, positive results.”
The pseudo-state is furious
Abbas’s visit has reignited the irritation of Ankara and the pseudo-state. They consider the Palestinian leader ungrateful.
“We are noting this visit with great care. In light of the reality that there are two distinct peoples and two distinct states on the island, this visit, which takes place in disregard of the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, has been received with regret by the Turkish Cypriot people.”
So-called “Foreign Ministry”
Widespread coverage
The Israeli and Turkish press, as well as Arab media, are reporting on Abbas’s visit.
“Palestinian President Abbas visited the Greek Cypriot administration”
ANADOLU
“Turkish Cypriots were displeased with Abbas’s visit to Southern Cyprus”
DAILY SABAH
“President Abbas sought Cyprus’s help for peace”
YAFFA NEWS NETWORK (Palestinian media outlet)
“Abbas of the Palestinian Authority hopes for dialogue with the new Israeli government.”
TIMES OF ISRAEL
The Palestinian leader’s visit took place without the presence of media from Cyprus, and the government’s announcement regarding it was brief.
See the report by Giorgos Georgiadis:
