Nicosia’s decision to allow the participation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the upcoming informal meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union on August 29 is a strategic step of great political importance.

This was stated by the official representative of the government, Konstantinos Letimiotis.

Speaking on state radio, Letimiotis stressed that this is an act of goodwill that demonstrates the desire of the Greek Cypriot side to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue.

Letimiotis also noted that this step is in line with the EU’s approach to Turkey, based on gradualism, proportionality and reversibility in relations between Brussels and Ankara, which depends on progress in the settlement of the Cyprus issue. At the same time, he clarified that the invitation is of a special nature and concerns only the next informal meeting of foreign ministers.

The official representative stressed that the Republic of Cyprus has once again demonstrated its constructive position, and now Turkey must show a similar will. Answering a question about possible pressure on Nicosia to allow Turkey to participate in an informal meeting, Letimiotis assured that there was no pressure. The opinion of Nicosia was requested and the relevant consent was given exclusively for the upcoming session in Brussels.

A source: philenews.com

https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/reshenie-nikosii-razreshit-uchastvovat-turczii