Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides briefed the national council on Monday on his recent engagements in Brussels, covering the Cyprus problem, regional tensions in the Middle East, and economic implications for Cyprus.
His visit included meetings with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, as well as participation in the European Council session on Middle East developments.
Brussels engagements and European Council conclusions
Christodoulides outlined the inclusion of Cyprus in the conclusions of the European Council and referred to an extensive telephone conversation with UK prime minister Keir Starmer on Saturday regarding the status of the British bases.
“All views were heard. This discussion will not be opened publicly, it will be done with transparency and honesty,” he said.
Domestic proposals and foot-and-mouth disease protocols
Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said political representatives submitted proposals on ongoing domestic matters, including the management of foot-and-mouth disease, with additional recommendations expected in the coming days.
Letymbiotis said the government is coordinating with the European Commission to ensure compliance with EU protocols in both the government-controlled areas and the north.
In response to questions on preventing the resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease in the north, he said EU protocols would be followed and monitored closely.
“When there are demands or benefits from the European Union, and this certainly refers to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and the primary sector, there should also be compliance with the necessary protocols,” he said.
He added that the issue had been raised with the competent commissioner during a recent visit to Cyprus, and that actions would be examined to ensure consistency across all areas and that benefits extend to Turkish Cypriots.
Economic effects of regional developments
Letymbiotis said the political leadership was informed about the economic impacts of regional developments, citing rising fuel prices and consequences for the tourism sector.
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