Nicosia, Cyprus. House President Annita Demetriou said on Monday that the European Union can act as a lever of pressure on Turkey as efforts continue to resume negotiations in earnest on the Cyprus problem. She said this could happen if Turkey abandons its demand for two states and progress is made on the Cyprus issue.
National Council meeting
Speaking after the National Council meeting, Demetriou said Turkey’s aspirations in relation to the European Union are creating conditions that can be used as leverage, provided that Turkey drops what she described as its unacceptable demand for two states.
She said it was reiterated during the meeting that appointing an envoy from the EU side is important for future developments.
Call for unity
Demetriou said there is no need at this time for exaggerations or complacency, adding that unity and hard work are needed from everyone. She said the national interest stands above parties or other agendas.
She also said that hard work is required at all levels and that greater unity at home strengthens Cyprus abroad.
Support for new EU envoy
Last week, Demetriou called on the European People’s Party, the European political grouping to which both she and President Nikos Christodoulides belong, to support efforts for the appointment of a new EU envoy.
The previous envoy, Johannes Hahn, resigned in March.
Christodoulides comments
President Nikos Christodoulides also said last week that the European Union has the most decisive role to play in the current effort to restart negotiations in earnest. He made the remarks after meeting European Council President Antonio Costa.
