Kasoulides backs sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine (update 3)

Cyprus supports the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Ukraine and opposes the annexation of another state, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency before the extraordinary meeting of the EU foreign affairs council in Paris that was to discuss the situation in the Ukraine, Kasoulides said that even though at the moment, what is happening is not an invasion but recognition of secession, Cyprus’ position is linked to and derives from its own case.

“There is a question of secession. We are opposed to secession and the recognition of secession,” he said.

Cyprus supports diplomacy as the only way out of the crisis, as well as the diplomatic efforts of France and Germany, he added.

“Any action that violates the Ukraine’s territorial integrity goes against all basic principles of international law and violates the Minsk Agreements, which are the only way to resolve the crisis,” the foreign ministry said earlier in the day in an official statement.

Kasoulides’ comments followed strong-worded statements issued by the foreign ministries of Greece and Turkey earlier on Tuesday condemning the Russian action.

Police are also ready to increase their presence outside embassies in Nicosia, particularly the Russian one, according to police spokesperson Christos Andreou.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation so that, in case of need, we are ready to deploy additional officers outside embassies in the capital,” Andreou said.