Remarks by the President of the Republic of Cyprus regarding statements by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs is attempting to create false impressions in order to serve his own purposes, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, stated tonight.

In his remarks to journalists in Mosfiloti, upon his arrival at the unveiling ceremony of the monument to the fallen heroes and missing persons of the Pigi and Peristerona Communities in Ammochostos, and invited to comment on Turkish media reports that speak of “harsh rhetoric” by the Greek Foreign Minister in support of Cyprus, President Christodoulides noted:

“If there is anyone who uses harsh rhetoric, it is the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs with his statements, with which he attempts to create false impressions in order to serve his own purposes and his own frailties in relation to the role of Cyprus and Greece.

Cyprus is a centre of operations for the provision of humanitarian aid – this is being manifested on a daily basis – but also for the evacuation of civilians from the area. We have done so in the past. Hopefully the need will not arise again, but if it does, we will fulfil, once again, our humanitarian obligation.

We are aware of our role in the region – unlike Turkey, and this is shown by the statements made by Mr Fidan – the Republic of Cyprus is not only the closest member-state of the European Union (EU) in the region, but it is the only country in the region that maintains excellent relations with all neighbouring states, unlike Turkey. We retain excellent relations not only with Israel, but also with many Arab states.”

(NZ)

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