Progress in EU-Turkey relations remains inseparably linked to progress on the Cyprus issue, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Wednesday, commenting on meetings between the heads of the EU institutions and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis said President Nikos Christodoulides held a telephone conversation on Tuesday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Arrangements are also underway for the two leaders to meet next week to review recent developments.
“The progress of EU-Turkey relations is fully interconnected with progress on the Cyprus issue. It is Turkey that must overcome its intransigence,” he said.
Cyprus ready for informal conference
Letymbiotis said he could not predict whether the meetings taking place today would lead to the announcement of an informal expanded conference on Cyprus, but stressed that the Greek Cypriot side is ready.
“We are ready even tomorrow for this informal expanded conference to take place, with the aim of announcing the resumption of negotiations,” he said.
He added that the next step depends on Turkey demonstrating the necessary political will and constructive approach, both for progress on the Cyprus issue and for EU-Turkey relations.
Cyprus obligations remain EU condition
Asked whether Christodoulides’ discussion with von der Leyen indicated that EU leaders would raise Turkey’s Cyprus-related obligations during their meeting with Erdoğan, Letymbiotis said this is already an agreed European Union position.
“It is, by definition, a necessary condition. This is not only our position; it is clearly reflected in the conclusions of the European Council,” he said.
He referred to the European Council conclusions of April 2024, which set out the framework for advancing EU-Turkey relations, and noted that any participation by a third country in the SAFE financial instrument requires unanimous approval by all EU member states.
Government monitoring F-35 developments
Commenting on reports that the United States may consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, Letymbiotis said the government is closely monitoring developments.
He noted that discussions remain at an early stage and that US President Donald Trump has only stated he will examine the issue.
The spokesperson said Cyprus continues to emphasise respect for international law and works closely with its strategic partners, including the United States.
Violence condemned
Responding to remarks by the Turkish Cypriot leader regarding the assault of a Turkish Cypriot man in the government-controlled areas, Letymbiotis rejected claims that the attack had nationalist motives.
He said the arrests made so far indicate there was no nationalist or similar motive behind the incident.
The government condemned the assault and reiterated that all forms of violence are unacceptable.
Letymbiotis also stressed that the Cyprus issue remains one of invasion and occupation and called on all sides to make public statements that contribute to the climate of dialogue being promoted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
He added that the peaceful coexistence of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots has been demonstrated in practice and should not be undermined by public rhetoric.
Source: CNA
Also read: Mitsotakis: Greece faces lasting threat from Turkey
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