President Christodoulides linked Ukraine’s territorial integrity to Cyprus’s experience under Turkish occupation, during three consecutive European Union videoconferences on achieving a peaceful agreement in Ukraine.
Christodoulides emphasised the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine during his interventions, drawing on Cyprus’s 51-year experience under illegal Turkish occupation of 37% of its territory.
The president highlighted concerns about potential implications for Cyprus arising from developments in Ukraine and any possible agreement with Russia, according to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
“Any solution must be based on full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” Christodoulides stated. “Cyprus’s historical experience, with 37% of its territory remaining under illegal Turkish occupation for 51 years, confirms in the clearest way the need to defend these principles without concessions and exceptions.”
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also focused on border inviolability and expressed satisfaction with US intentions to support security guarantees whilst reiterating Greece’s position on border integrity.
The videoconferences included meetings of the European People’s Party, the Coalition of the Willing as a continuation of last Sunday’s videoconference, and EU member state leaders convened by European Council President Antonio Costa.
Leaders received detailed briefings on Monday’s meeting between the Ukrainian President and US President, followed by substantive exchanges of views.
Cyprus assured continued support for Ukraine’s struggle for freedom, independence and territorial integrity restoration. The president connected Cyprus’s experience as an EU member state under occupation to the European struggle against occupation policies and revisionism threatening peace and international order.
European Council President Costa stated Tuesday that the EU continues supporting efforts for just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, noting Russia “must immediately end the violence” as a first step.
“Ukraine was – and will remain – at the top of leaders’ agendas in coming weeks and months as we continue supporting efforts for just and sustainable peace,” Costa said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen referenced discussions on “progress made in our efforts for peace in Ukraine,” noting Washington talks advanced regarding “strong security guarantees for Ukraine, ending bloodshed, sanctions and return of abducted children.”
DISY party president Annita Demetriou participated in the EPP leaders’ summit via videoconference, where unity and steadfastness to principles were emphasised regarding Ukraine developments following meetings in Alaska and Washington.
