Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus moderated its initial reaction to an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the Board of Peace, with officials later saying the government would consult with European Union partners.
Initial reaction to invitation
After it emerged that Trump had sent President Nikos Christodoulides an invite to participate on the board, Christodoulides said the invitation “demonstrates the recognition of the role of the Republic of Cyprus in the broader Middle East region”.
Diplomatic concerns over UN framework
A former diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the government reversed course. “They did a backflip,” the source said.
The source said the fate of the Cyprus problem rests on UN Security Council resolutions and that Cyprus therefore cannot attach itself to an endeavour like the Board of Peace if it seeks to supplant the United Nations. The source said that after initial excitement, the government appeared to have had second thoughts and opted to avoid committing by invoking collective decision-making by the EU.
Foreign minister cites broader scope and EU consultations
On Thursday, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos offered a more cautious assessment. While thanking Trump “for the invitation to a closed circle of invitees,” Kombos said that the charter of the Board of Peace, published in the meantime, showed a far broader function than initially understood and that Cyprus would consult with its EU partners.
Kombos said Brussels was in the process of “formulating a common posistion”.
How do you think Cyprus should balance its EU commitments with invitations to join new international initiatives?
