Α wide range of issues were discussed during the meeting, including the issue of the Russian invasion that dominates the European political scene
Germany should reconsider sales of offensive equipment to Turkey, Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Harris Georgiades, said on Wednesday.
He also said, following a committee’s meeting with a delegation of the Friendship Group for relations with Malta and Cyprus of the German Parliament, that Turkey could potentially be part of a friendship network in the Eastern Mediterranean, adding that for the time being we are far from such a prospect.
In his remarks after the meeting, Georgiades said that the two sides discussed the Cyprus problem and Turkey at length, adding that Cyprus’ position is that Turkey should also behave as a good neighbour, show respect for international law and contribute to the peaceful resolution of the Cyprus problem.
He added that the help of the German MPs was requested and stressed that Turkey can be part of a network of friendship and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and that Cyprus wants Turkey to be part of this network of states, which will cooperate in a peaceful framework, stressing however that for the time being we are far from such a perspective and this should be a matter of concern.
Moreover, a wide range of issues were discussed during the meeting, including the issue of the Russian invasion that dominates the European political scene, Georgiades continued, adding that the two sides agreed that the solutions to the major challenges facing Europe should be seen together and not by each member state separately.
In her remarks, Friendship Group Chair Derya Türk-Nachbaur said that German-Cypriot relations are back in the spotlight, as just last week the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos visited Berlin and held very constructive talks.
He added that Germany and Cyprus are linked by a long-standing friendship and partnership, based on common values and common interests, while the last few weeks have also witnessed an impressive manifestation of this close relationship, which gives even more reason to underline this extraordinary support on the part of the Republic of Cyprus.
Türk-Nachbaur also expressed her warm thanks to the Cypriot government for the assistance provided regarding the evacuation of German citizens from Sudan, adding that the flights from the island were organised very quickly, providing a great deal of help to people in need, another proof of the effectiveness of European relations, she said.
According to the chairperson of the friendship group, Cyprus as an EU member state plays an important role, being a reliable partner in the process of European integration and is an important player in the Eastern Mediterranean thanks to its geographical location, its rich culture and the potential of a dynamic economy, and pointed to Cyprus’ commitment to promoting common values and strengthening the EU.
“We are convinced that German-Cypriot relations will be further strengthened and will be based on common values such as friendship, cooperation and solidarity,” Türk-Nachbaur stressed, adding that the two countries will work closely together to promote areas such as economy, trade, education and culture, while the German MPs highlighted the strengthening of German language learning in Cyprus and the promotion of Germany as a study destination for Cypriot students.
“The whole EU will benefit from the cooperation between the two countries, we are convinced that an even closer cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy and climate protection is of great importance, while the exchange of know-how and good practices will benefit the fields of innovation and environmental protection”, Türk-Nachbaur noted.
She also said that cooperation in the fields of security and defence is also very important in order to be able to address common challenges, while on the issue of migration, she said that Germany shows solidarity with the EU member state most affected, expressing the hope that the reform of the European asylum system will soon be completed.
In conclusion, the German MP said that the Cyprus problem is undoubtedly a primary issue as it has been affecting the inhabitants of the island for almost fifty years, adding that the basis for a solution to the problem should take into account both communities, always under the auspices of the United Nations, with the aim of establishing a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, with a central government and institutions that ensure the unity of the state.
“Germany supports you in this process and confidence-building measures between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are important for the dialogue and negotiations for a viable and just solution,” Türk-Nachbaur concluded.
In his introductory address during the meeting, Georgiades said that the new Cypriot government continues in an absolute manner to support and implement common policies aimed at countering Russian aggression, implementing sanctions and supporting the common policy.
Responding to a question from a German MP on how Germany and the EU could support efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, Georgiades said that Germany should reconsider sales of offensive equipment to Turkey.
During the meeting Georgiades informed his German counterparts about Turkey’s negative attitude towards a Cyprus settlement, as well as about the initiative of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, to appoint an EU personality to help restart the negotiations.
In her opening remark, the Chair of the Friendship Group, Derya Türk-Nachbaur, said that Germany supports the reform of the Common European Framework on Asylum, making the point that Cyprus is suffering with the burden it carries. “All EU countries must take their responsibilities,” she stressed.
Earlier during the day, the German delegation met with the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, followed by a lunch with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, during which the discussion continued.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.
Source: CNA
