Progress in relations between the European Union – Turkey remains inextricably linked to progress on the Cyprus issue, and the convening of the informal multilateral conference depends on Ankara’s stance, said Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis in remarks today at the Presidential Palace, commenting on the meetings between the heads of European institutions and the President of Turkey.

At the same time, he noted that the President of the Republic spoke by phone yesterday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and that arrangements are being made for the two to meet next week to comprehensively assess the latest developments.

“Progress in EU-Turkey relations is fully intertwined with progress on the Cyprus issue. It is certainly Turkey that must overcome its own intransigence,” he said.

Mr. Letympiotis said he could not predict whether today’s meetings would lead to the announcement of an informal multilateral conference, but he reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side is ready.

“We are ready even tomorrow for this informal multilateral meeting to be convened, with the aim of announcing the resumption of negotiations,” he said, adding that “this depends… on Turkey to demonstrate that constructive attitude, that political will”—both for progress in EU-Turkey relations, for progress on the Cyprus issue, and for the convening of the informal multilateral meeting.

Responding to a question about whether, during the President’s telephone conversation yesterday with Ms. von der Leyen, there was any indication that the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission would raise with the Turkish President the issue of linking Turkey’s obligations regarding Cyprus as a necessary precondition for moving forward with EU-Turkey relations, the Government Spokesperson noted that this is already the agreed position of the European Union.

“It is, in fact, a necessary precondition. And it is not just us who say this; it is also recorded in the European Council’s Conclusions,” he said.

As he noted, the April 2024 Conclusions outline the path for progress in EU-Turkey relations, while he noted that any participation by a third country in the SAFE financial instrument requires unanimity among member states.

“Therefore, by its very nature, the Cyprus issue will be one of the aspects that will be addressed and will be at the heart of this discussion, precisely because progress on the Cyprus issue is essential for there to be progress on EU-Turkey relations as well,” he noted.

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 “We are closely monitoring developments” regarding U.S.-Turkey relations and the F-35s

Referring to the possibility that the United States might review the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, the Government Spokesperson said that Nicosia is closely monitoring developments.

“Of course we’re seeing it, we’re observing it, we’re monitoring it,” he said, noting that the discussion is still in its early stages and that U.S. President Donald Trump has only stated that he will consider the matter.

The NATO Summit itself, she added, as well as the discussions taking place there, are a matter of concern today—and have been for some time—for the entire international community, “especially us, if we take into account that this involves Turkey, which is occupying our territory.”

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He also said that the U.S. government’s stance in recent years is well known for many reasons, primarily regarding the role Turkey plays in the Cyprus region, as well as the role it has played in the past and continues to play at present, regarding Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and a series of other geopolitical developments and conflicts.

“The message we are sending— what we consistently advocate, is international law, together with all our partners, including the United States of America, with whom we are strategic partners,” he said.

“Turkey claims and seeks to play an enhanced role in the region. However, this is a Turkey that, at the same time, is in fact pursuing a policy of double standards—not only with regard to the flagrant violation of human rights and international law in our country, but also in the wider region. And this has been noted and raised by several states in recent years, precisely with regard to the role Turkey wishes to play,” said the Spokesperson.