Russia denies plans for consulate in north

Russia has “no intention” of recognising other authorities other than the Republic of Cyprus, the Russian embassy in Nicosia said on Monday as it rubbished reports regarding the creation of a consulate in the non-government-controlled areas.

Later in the day, government also denied the reports saying Russia will not collaborate with authorities in the north.

“The stance of the Russian Federation on a settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions remains unchanged,” the Russian embassy announcement said, explaining that Russia has no intention of recognising any other authorities other than those of the Republic of Cyprus.

It added, however, that Russia is “exploring the possibilities” of providing assistance to thousands of Russian nationals living in the territories over which the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise “effective control”.

Assistance might include consular services, but also humanitarian, cultural and educational support, the embassy said.

However, it added “all our steps in this direction are coordinated with the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.”

The embassy also mentioned that consular missions of Western countries, including several EU members, have been carrying out similar activities in the northern part of the island for years.

The announcement came amidst reports in local and Greek media about the alleged establishment of a Russian consular delegation in the north. Kathimerini newspaper wrote on Sunday that Russia has approached the authorities of the Republic since January 2021 to inform them of its intention.

Later in the day, government spokesman Marios Pelekanos echoed the Russian embassy and confirmed that Russia is assessing ways through which they can aid the “several thousand” Russians living permanently in the north.

This issue, he said, has been brought up by the Russian Federation in the past.

However, there will be no collaboration between Russia and authorities in the north, Pelekanos said, citing the Russian ambassador.

But this failed to convince the Greens who in a statement highlighted that on February 24, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov had referred to a ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ which, the Greens said, might have been an “implicit recognition of the pseudo state”.