The issue regarding the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus in a future settlement is clear for the Greek Cypriot side, Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday, adding that there is no discussion about it.
In statements to the media, Christodoulides referred to the efforts made by the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades at the negotiating table and said that in order for them to bear fruit, the unanimous, if possible, support of political forces is required.
He further pointed to the Joint Declaration reached on February 11, 2014, between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, and said that of all official documents regarding a Cyprus settlement, the Joint Deceleration is the only one referring to the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks, aiming to reunite the island under a federal roof, resumed last May.
The Greek Cypriot side endorses the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus from a unitary to a federal state, with two constituent states. The Joint Decleration stipulates that “the Federal constitution shall prescribe that the united Cyprus federation shall be composed of two constituent states of equal status”.
Christodoulides also responded to questions regarding the meeting among the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Lebanon, in the margins of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, on Monday, in Brussels.
The meeting aims to explore the potential of setting up a trilateral cooperation scheme.
According to the Spokesman, such cooperation mechanisms may address more effectively common challenges and problems in the region.
Christodoulides said moreover that the government aspires to establish more such cooperation schemes with other countries as well, both from the region and the EU. No country is precluded from joining these cooperation mechanisms, as long as it shares the values of the countries already participating, he added.
Asked about developments in Syria, following Turkey`s cross-border attacks against Kurdish positions in the north of the country, Christodoulides expressed concern over the situation, and said that the Republic of Cyprus was closely monitoring the developments
