Press Releases

Cyprus, being itself a victim of a foreign invasion and an ongoing occupation of its territories, and under the constant threat of Turkey, fully understands the plight of Ukraine and its people, the President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, said in his intervention during yesterday’s dinner of the leaders of the EU Member States, which was held in the context of the Informal Summit of EU Heads of State and Government in Versailles.

In his statements to the media in Paris, the Government Spokesman, Mr Marios Pelekanos, said that “the dinner of the leaders of the EU Member States, during which the situation in Ukraine was thoroughly discussed, was completed.

The President of the Republic in his intervention, denounced once again the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, underlining Cyprus’ support and solidarity towards Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also noted that Cyprus, being itself a victim of a foreign invasion and an ongoing occupation of its territories, and under the constant threat of Turkey, fully understands the plight of Ukraine and its people, particularly the civilians and the people who have become refugees.

The President of the Republic further pointed out that it is crucial for the international community to work towards securing, as soon as possible, a ceasefire agreement that will stop the bloodshed and pave the way for negotiations.

The President of the Republic also said that, even though the cost for the economies of the EU Member States and countries, due to the sanctions against Russia is not negligible, adherence to international law and respect for the territorial integrity of the EU Member States and all other states is absolutely necessary. However, as the President noted, at the same time, Turkey, a candidate country for EU membership, refuses to abide by the sanctions against Russia, taking advantage of the situation financially, and thus undermining the intended effectiveness of the sanctions; which is a method that it systematically uses.

Finally, referring to the refugee wave from Ukraine, President Anastasiades said that more than three thousand Ukrainian refugees have already arrived and have been accommodated in Cyprus, noting that Cyprus also supports all efforts to secure constant access to humanitarian aid missions.

In this framework and as a result of the immediate actions taken by the Cypriot people, Cyprus has sent a symbolic financial aid to Kiev, while last Tuesday, it dispatched the first batch of humanitarian aid, which includes pharmaceutical products, food and civil protection equipment”.

(EK/MPO)