Cyprus President Advocates for Strategic Migration Agreements and Renewed Talks on Reunification

Cyprus President Advocates for Strategic Migration Agreements

President Nicos Christodoulides of Cyprus has expressed his commitment to exploring more strategic agreements with third countries to effectively tackle the pressing issue of migration. In an interview with Euronews, the Cypriot leader emphasized that the European Union’s existing agreement with Lebanon has yielded positive outcomes. This agreement, which involves the allocation of economic aid to Beirut, is aimed at fostering cooperation in reducing illegal immigration to Europe.

Christodoulides indicated his readiness to discuss alternative solutions, including the establishment of return hubs. He stated, “We are open to considering all options that are innovative and outside the traditional framework. However, these options must align with international humanitarian law.”

According to the president, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) should collaborate closely with the Cypriot government to ensure that all initiatives remain compliant with international standards. He remarked, “It is essential that our actions are within the bounds of international legitimacy.”

In a noteworthy move, Cyprus has emerged as one of the first EU nations advocating for the normalization of relations with Syria, aiming to facilitate the safe return of migrants. Since the onset of the civil war in 2011, numerous refugees fleeing to Lebanon have attempted to reach the shores of Cyprus. However, President Christodoulides is keen to establish necessary conditions for such returns. He clarified, “I am not referring to the Assad regime, as our positions on that matter are clear. Nevertheless, we cannot shy away from discussing the potential for returning Syrians to their homeland.”

He further elaborated, “For these individuals to return, there must be adequate infrastructure in place. Without hospitals, schools, and proper roads, their return would not be feasible.”

Efforts to Resume Talks with the Turkish Side

Christodoulides spoke to Euronews shortly after participating in a trilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, aimed at rekindling negotiations concerning Cyprus. This meeting comes seven years after the talks in Crans-Montana concluded without a peace or reunification agreement.

The president articulated the importance of a functional state, stating, “If we have a state that cannot operate effectively internally, it will struggle to engage with Brussels, often leading to complications in our relations with the EU.” He underscored the urgency of addressing this issue, which remains vital for both Cyprus and the EU.

Christodoulides hinted that it is in the interest of both the EU and Cyprus for the negotiations to persist and for tangible progress to be achieved. He added, “The common EU position is that we all desire to see advancement in Euro-Turkish relations. This progress is inherently linked to resolving the Cyprus issue.”

It is important to note that Cyprus has remained divided since Turkey’s military invasion in 1974, a conflict that was precipitated by a coup d’état.

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