Written statement by the Government Spokesman, Mr Marios Pelekanos, on the teleconference of the President of the Republic with a group of Heads of Government of EU member states

The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, participated today in a preparatory teleconference convened by the President of the European Council, Mr Charles Michel, in view of the forthcoming European Council Summit in Brussels, during which, the situation in Ukraine, the issue of Energy, EU Security and Defence and other issues will be discussed.

The Prime Ministers of Sweden, Belgium, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Poland also participated in the teleconference.

During his intervention, President Anastasiades reiterated, inter alia, Cyprus’ solidarity with Ukraine and its people, as well as his support for the diplomatic efforts to end the Russian aggression. He also referred to the drama of the Ukrainian refugees and the fact that Cyprus is among the EU Member States which receives refugees from Ukraine and provides them with the necessary assistance.

The President of the Republic also referred to the sanctions imposed and underlined that at the moment everyone’s attention should be primarily directed towards filling the gaps observed in relation with their implementation, noting that the biggest gaps in sanctions relate to third countries such as Turkey. He stressed that Turkey’s refusal to align with the EU sanctions is not only selfish, but also undermines the pursued impact of the sanctions. Given that Turkey continues to militarily occupy a part of Cyprus, which is under its full control, its avoidance to abide by the sanctions has a huge impact on Cyprus.

Furthermore, President Anastasiades referred to the major issue of food security, in light of the dependence on cereals imported from Russia and Ukraine and the shortages that may emerge.

The President of the Republic agreed on the need for an in-depth discussion by EU leaders on how to effectively address the increase of prices. Finally, he added that, Cyprus in cooperation with the countries of the region, would be able to contribute effectively to the energy independence promoted by the EU, by supplying the European market with energy, inter alia, via electricity interconnection projects.

(MPO/NG)

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