Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the EU Council Conclusions on enlargement on Sunday, noting that they incorporate crucial issues for the Republic of Cyprus and that they send a strong political message to Turkey.

The Foreign Ministry, in a statement, referred to five points regarding the Conclusions, the first of which is that the Council reaffirms that progress in EU-Turkey relations depends on Turkey’s full compliance with its Cyprus-related obligations.

Secondly, the Ministry added that the EU reiterates that progress in relations with Turkey is directly linked with the solution of the Cyprus problem. Decisions on Turkey’s gradual and proportionate approach depend on its constructive stance, it adds.

As a third point, the Council underlined the need for the resumption of the talks for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles, it said.

“The inclusion of the relevant resolutions, at a time when the Turkish side is putting forward positions for their ‘update’, is important, constitutes our main objective and is the result of our efforts”, the Ministry said.

Finally, the Foreign Ministry said that the EU “condemns Turkey’s illegal actions in Varosha”, calling for their immediate reversal, and reaffirms the importance of de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It added that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs “reacted strongly to the Conclusions”, expressing dissatisfaction with the wording concerning Turkey’s obligations and linking its relations with the EU with the Cyprus problem. “The consistent and repeated public position of the leadership of the EU institutions, as well as the positions of the Member States as once again reflected in the Conclusions, but not just there, are a clear response to Turkey”, the Republic of Cyprus, Foreign Ministry, said.

“Any other interpretation, wherever it may come from”, it adds, “is unfounded and stems either from ignorance of the actual way the EU operates or from refusal to understand the EU’s established common position that is aligned with our national interests and aspirations”.

“Our national aspirations are EU aspirations, and our joint efforts are strengthened with clarity, continuity and consistency,” the Ministry said, adding that coordination for the promotion of the Republic of Cyprus’ interests at the international level and in particular within the EU was “continuous”.