The consent of the Republic of Cyprus to the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to the upcoming informal Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on August 29 is a "strategic political move of high importance and a practical sign of goodwill," Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis told CNA on Friday, noting that the invitation was sent with the consent of the Republic of Cyprus, as is the usual practice. "The consent of the Republic of Cyprus is a strategic political move of high importance and a practical indication of goodwill and sincere political will both for the strengthening of EU-Turkey relations and progress in efforts to resume negotiations, chapters de facto linked to those provided for in the April European Council Conclusions on EU-Turkey relations," he said in response to a question on the issue. 'Our consent to the ad hoc invitation of the Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister falls precisely within the framework of a gradual, proportionate and reversible approach to the prog ress of EU-Turkey relations, with parallel progress in efforts to resume talks,' he stressed, adding that the position of the Republic of Cyprus remains constructive and beneficial with the aim of contributing to the cultivation of a positive climate in support of the UN Secretary General's efforts to resume negotiations. "It is now up to Turkey to demonstrate a similar sincere will and desire for progress on the Cyprus issue," he further noted. According to the Government Spokesperson, Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos will participate as one of the 27 EU Foreign Ministers, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as a guest. Among the issues to be discussed will be the Cyprus problem and the position of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, the EU member state under invasion and occupation, he noted, will highlight the real aspects of the issue. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. Source : Cyprus News Agency
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