Abbas Says Cyprus Could Help Mediate Future Israeli-Palestinian Peace Efforts
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told a lunch hosted by President Nikos Christodoulides that Cyprus's good ties with both Palestinians and Israelis could let it act as a mediator.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that Cyprus could take on a “very significant role” in any future peace process between Palestinians and Israelis. He was speaking at a working lunch at the presidential palace.
Abbas on mediation
Abbas pointed to the close relationship between the Palestinian people, the Cypriot people and the Republic of Cyprus. He added that Cyprus also maintains good relations with Israel, which he described as justified. For that reason, he said, Cyprus could mediate between the two sides, with a political solution grounded in international legitimacy and United Nations security council resolutions.
He said Palestinians feel a geographical closeness to Cypriots, and also a sincere warmth and a human connection that he described as existential.
European positions
Abbas noted that more European countries have recognised the Palestinian state in recent years. He said the European position on the Palestinian issue has shifted significantly over some time. As examples, he named Spain, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, saying their positions are nearly identical to that of the Palestinians.
He called this especially gratifying, because Europe as a whole could contribute decisively to a settlement and to peace in the region. He added that a larger European role would benefit every country there.
Christodoulides’ response
Christodoulides said the Republic of Cyprus is ready to take whatever role Abbas considers appropriate in promoting regional cooperation. He said this is exactly what Cyprus pursues through its foreign policy.
He added that, as a European Union member state in the region, Cyprus relays the concerns of regional states to Europe and represents the EU in the region. He said Cyprus is pleased that other member states and EU institutions have recognised this role.
The president also said that “we cannot change geography”. For that reason, he said, all sides should cooperate on the basis of a positive agenda and approach in order to reach shared goals.
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