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If any of the measures which the EU proposes against Russia do not help and do not contribute to the objective pursued by the EU, then they will just not be adopted, President, Nicos Anastasiades, said today.

In statements to the media, on the sidelines of the ceremony for the inauguration of the new Rehabilitation wing of the EOKA Fighters Melathron, in Palodia, the President of the Republic, asked about the debate that will take place on Monday in the EU regarding the sanctions against Russia and about the Cyprus Government’s position, said that “some concerns have already been raised regarding the 6th package of measures.  

What said is that the sanctions must be targeted in order to have results. At the same time, the European partners must take into consideration the impact on the member states and if the sanctions are against the member states rather than against the invader. Therefore, we will act accordingly.

We are in favour of the EU unity, in favour of the measures that need to be taken every time the international law is being violated and, of course, Cyprus cannot be excluded”.

Asked if there is a chance for Cyprus not to participate in this, the President said that “this is not the case. If some of the measures being suggested that we have noted and indicated in a substantiated way do not help and do not contribute to the objective pursued by the EU, then those particular measures will not be adopted”.

Asked if there is a chance for a discussion to begin as regards a possible accession of Cyprus to NATO, President Anastasiades said that “I think it is too premature to discuss such an issue, there are serious problems and even if this was the wish of the Cyprus Government, it would be impeded by procedural issues and especially by Turkey’s rejection. There must be unanimity in order for a state to become a member of NATO. Beyond that, we are a small country, we need effective protection, of course, and any decisions should be approved by our people”.

(EK/MPO)