“Russia considers unacceptable the steps that will lead to further escalation in the southeastern Mediterranean. We repeatedly called on all sides. We would be ready to contribute to good neighborly relations in case we are asked by the interested parties.”
Those were the words of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after the private meeting he held with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulidis at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.
“In fact, I said that Cyprus should explicitly state its position and Russia will rely on it. We are convinced that the negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus issue will quickly resume. Russia remains committed to the principles of the settlement contained in the various issues,” added the Russian foreign minister, stressing the importance of resolving the Cyprus issue on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions.
? #Lavrov: #Russia will continue to develop cooperation with the Republic of #Cyprus while relying on the principles of the #UN Charter. We are ready for a dialogue with our #Cypriot friends on all the issues ???? https://t.co/npkUQUeIiB pic.twitter.com/G0H5VNBqHN
— MFA Russia ?? (@mfa_russia) September 8, 2020
On his part, Cypriot Foreign Minister Christodoulidis described Lavrov as an expert on the problem with keen and continuous interest. “After expressing Cyprus’ gratitude for Russia’s continued support in its efforts to find a lasting and viable solution, I briefed Sergei on the latest developments with particular reference to Turkey’s provocative announcements and threats and the occupying regime of the city of Famagusta. These actions run counter, among other things, to the relevant resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council, of which Russia, as we all know, is a permanent member,” said Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulidis.
“Unfortunately, Turkey’s provocative behavior, both in relation to Famagusta and in relation to the destabilizing and illegal actions it continues to take in the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus and throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, hamper the effort. It is, therefore, crucial at this juncture to have interventions from the international community to Ankara, especially from the permanent members of the Security Council, such as Russia, with a view to the immediate end of Turkish delinquency and behavior in violation of international legality, that is, relevant Security Council resolutions or relevant international conventions such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” said the Cypriot Foreign Minister.
Source: ANA-MPA