Interview of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Constantinos Kombos, to Corriere della Sera

The peace deal negotiations that are going on with little hope, what is your assessment? Is it possible the idea of a federated state on the style of the European Union?

We are certainly hopeful that this is indeed possible. The outcome of the recent meeting in Geneva, just a couple of weeks ago, upon the invitation of the UN Secretary General was a positive one. Specific decisions were taken, but most importantly, I feel that it was a major step forward in reinvigorating the process after a stalemate of eight years, following the collapse of the Conference at Crans Montana in 2017. The rejection by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership of the UN agreed framework has prolonged this stalemate but, on our part, we remain committed to do what it takes in order to achieve our objective, which is the resumption of fully – fledged negotiations towards reaching a solution on the agreed basis. We look forward to the Turkish side responding in an equivalent manner.

A solution of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as prescribed in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions is the sole possible avenue to secure the respect for the human rights of all Cypriots, while also contributing to security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This aim is supported both by the EU, as well as the international community in general.

It is in fact interesting that you make the analogy with the European Union’s own structure, elements of which can be used in our quest for a viable, functional and durable settlement. But most importantly, it is the membership of Cyprus in the Union that provides all the necessary guarantees for such a federal solution, not only to last in time, but also to flourish for the benefit of all the citizens of our country.

The situation in the island, after the Turkish invasion in 1974 the two communities have grown apart, more than 50 years have gone, do you still think that it will be possible to reunite the country?

Yes we do. it is my firm belief that the vast majority of people in both communities long for re-unification and are fully aware of the unsustainability of the status quo.

On February Cyprus signed an agreement with Eni for the exploitation of Cyprus’ Cronos Block 6 resources. This agreement is a concrete milestone to establish a gas hub in the Eastern Mediterranean capitalizing Egypt’s existing hydrocarbon infrastructure and positioning Cyprus as a gas producer and exporter.  In the past (2011-2018) there have been problems about gas exploitation with Ankara. What about now?  

Indeed, this Agreement is an important milestone for us. In this respect, and on the occasion of being today in Rome I would be remiss if I did not underline and commend ENI for its commitment and leadership, among all energy giants currently exploring the gas resources in Cyprus’ EEZ. 

At a time of international uncertainty and while Europe faces an energy crisis it is inconceivable for me to be discussing of a candidate EU country posing obstacles, whether by words or by deeds in order to prevent a member state of the Union to exploit its resources and contribute to the energy security of our continent.

We have proposed to have good faith negotiations between Cyprus and Turkey for the delimitation of the maritime zones as prescribed by international law and the law of the sea.

After Assad fall in Syria, Turkey aims to increase its influence on the stretch of sea between Syria and the occupied areas of Cyprus. Do you agree? How are you going to react to this?

Last February, I met with the Syrian interim President Jolani and my Syrian counterpart in Damascus. I personally considered essential to have a face to face discussion with the Syrian leadership. We wanted to demonstrate our willingness to support the post-Assad regime transition, both bilaterally and within the EU framework. Syria is in our immediate neighborhood. We, obviously, wish to see a peaceful and stable Syria and to contribute to the effort of giving its people the opportunity, after so many decades, to dream of a prosperous future. 

This is the message I conveyed to my interlocutors. At the same time, I was clear that this presupposes that the basic principles of good neighborliness, respect for territorial integrity, the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of states will be respected.

We are in close coordination with the EU as regards the issue of suspending sanctions.

You are the country with the highest number of asylum seekers in the EU, how are you dealing with this issue?

As a frontline Member State, we have been facing acute migratory pressures in recent years. We in fact work very closely with Italy in the context of the EU on the matter, and we are grateful for the openness and willingness of the Italian government for cooperation in order to reach viable solutions. According to most recent figures, there has been a significant improvement in limiting the time of processing of applications, a decrease in the number of arrivals and a sharp increase of returns. This is, of course, partly subject to developments in neighboring countries.

If it is possible I would like to ask your opinion on what is going on in Turkey right now with Imamoglu’s arrest.

We obviously follow with great concern the latest developments in Türkiye. The arrest of Mr Imamoglu, and subsequent action by Turkish authorities unveil a further backsliding of the country in terms of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. It is obvious that such events do not reconcile with Turkey’s obligations as a member state of the Council of Europe. Neither do they reconcile with the aspiration of Turkey to become a member state of the EU.