Cyprus is willing to encourage progress in EU – Turkey relations, but there is already a framework for these relations which includes Cyprus since “progress passes through Cyprus”, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said upon his arrival to an informal meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in Brussels on Saturday, in the context of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Kombos noted that “we expect to see tangible steps from Turkey in this regard” and added that requests for good will gestures need to align with the relevant EU framework and respect the sensitivities of all member states.

“I’m looking forward to an open and frank discussion on all items on the agenda and especially as regards Turkey – EU relations” Kombos said.

“There is a broad consensus pointing to Turkey’s importance as a regional and a global actor, and Cyprus is willing to encourage progress in relation to the EU – Turkey basket, and we are hopeful and expect to see considerable engagement by Turkey in this regard” he added.

“At the same time there is an established framework which is based on thresholds, merit, proportionate and phased and reversible progress. And this is what we expect to apply in this case equally” the Minister stressed.

Moreover, he added, “the EU framework includes Cyprus, and progress passes through Cyprus. So we expect to see tangible steps from Turkey in this regard”.

“Finally, requests for good will gestures need to be aligned with the preceding framework, need to entail an element of political consideration, willingness to negotiate and at the same time the need to be respectful of the sensitivities of all member states” he stressed.