Brussels, Belgium. Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said the European Union “cannot remain mere observers” on Gaza and must act in full coordination and on the basis of international law. He made the remarks on Wednesday to the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee.
Call for coordinated EU action
Kombos said all options for further action should be explored “with dialogue, optimism, and strategic flexibility, with the aim of finding solutions.” He also said Cyprus “has contributed substantially in the humanitarian field,” referring to the country’s Amalthea humanitarian aid corridor, and added the government would continue efforts.
Cyprus waiting for EU stance on Gaza Board of Peace
His comments came a week after the Cypriot government said it would wait for the EU to formulate a common position before deciding whether to join United States President Donald Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace.
Kombos said at the time that efforts were being made in Brussels to formulate a common position and that discussions had not yet concluded. He said Cyprus’ position had been communicated to the American side and described it as careful and balanced.
He added that the government has taken a “particularly positive approach” and that potential future Cypriot participation was being discussed with the American side and with friendly countries, especially within the European Union.
Invitation and membership fee reports
Reports earlier this month said Cyprus had been invited to join the board, with Bloomberg reporting that each member country would be required to pay a $1 billion membership fee.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed on Sunday that Cyprus had been invited but said reports about the $1 billion fee “do not reflect reality.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was also invited to join the board, has since confirmed the existence of the $1 billion fee.
What should the European Union’s next step be on Gaza?
