Nicosia has embarked on a road race as the next 24 hours are crucial for the preparation of the options document for the European Union’s response to Turkey’s unilateral actions against the Republic of Cyprus. The second draft of the document is on the table as the first was deemed unacceptable by the Cypriot side.
Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulidis had a telephone conversation with the EU High Representative, Josep Borel, with whom he discussed the contents of the first draft of the selection document. According to information from the “Liberal” of Cyprus, Josep Borel promised substantial changes to the original text. Nicosia is asked to prepare a text with legal and political measures that is positive in its character and to deal effectively with the Turkish actions in Varosi.
As a result of the Christodoulidis-Borel communication, they entered the table two political measures:
– Appeal to the European Investment Bank to further curb lending to Turkey
– Further reduction of pre-accession assistance to Turkey from European programs
Nicosia throws its weight in linking the issue of Famagusta with the far-reaching developments in the Cyprus issue and with the European Union taking a clear position. That is why he moved to include references in resolutions 550 and 789 on Famagusta in the text.
Following the moves made in the previous 24 hours, today and tomorrow there will be new consultations between the parties involved. The placements will be made on the second draft, which is quite improved compared to the first. However, on the second draft, Nicosia has made notes which will be examined within the next 24 hours. Discussions are expected to continue until Wednesday (8 December 2021) when the Commission and the EEAS are expected to present their final text to the 27.
If there is no agreement on Wednesday, it is possible that the discussions will continue until the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, which will take place on Monday, December 13, 2021. The goal is for the list of options to be approved at COREPER level on Wednesday. . To achieve this requires unanimity, which is considered particularly difficult. That is why it is not excluded that the issue will be taken to the level of SEU for further.
Three countries – Germany, Italy and Spain – constitute the wall of protection of Turkey within the European Union. It is estimated that at this stage they will act in a similar way, ensuring a minimum punishment for Turkey. Reference points in view of the crucial meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers are:
First, the forthcoming visit of President Anastasiadis and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Madrid next Thursday (December 9, 2021) during which the Cypriot side will strive for a more positive attitude of Spain both during the discussion at the SEU and later at the summit. top.
– The new German Foreign Minister, Annalena Boerbok, will give her “present” at the SEU next Monday. The presence of the new head of the German diplomacy will show whether or not there will be some difference on the part of Berlin on the critical issues concerning Turkey.
One of the demands of Nicosia, which has been repeatedly addressed to its partners, is the freezing of Turkey’s positive agenda and more specifically the freezing of the upgrading of the Customs Union. Which today is a powerful weapon not only for Nicosia but also for the EU itself to put pressure on Erdogan. It is estimated that economic measures may have a greater impact on the effort made by Turkey to comply with the Famagusta issue.
9th tripartite in Israel
The 9th tripartite meeting between Israel, Cyprus and Greece will take place in Jerusalem tomorrow. This will be the first of two important trips that President Anastasiadis will make this week.
According to our information, on Tuesday morning Nikos Anastasiadis will be received by the President of Israel Isaac Herzog. During the tripartite meeting, President Anastasiadis will have a private meeting with their Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, followed by a meeting of the delegations of the two countries. Then a meeting of the delegations of Cyprus and Greece will take place. The statements to the Press will be made around noon and then the tripartite meeting will take place in the context of a working lunch.
On Thursday, the President of the Republic will travel to Spain where he will have talks with the Prime Minister of the country, Pedro Sanchez. The Anastasiadis-Sanchez meeting takes place a few days after the Spanish Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey.
Source: philenews.com
Read also:
* Cyprus: The EEZ is filled with drills – Tensions and challenges are expected
.
Source From: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
