By Stefanos Evripidou
CYPRUS HAS a key role to play in the fight against terrorism, drugs, weapons of mass destruction, and the trafficking of persons, said Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides following a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns.
The two met on the sidelines of the 68th UN General Assembly to discuss bilateral relations and Cyprus’ regional role as well as the Cyprus problem and energy matters
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Kasoulides said the larger part of the meeting with Burns focused on bilateral relations and Cyprus’ role in handling developments in the volatile region, with specific reference to Syria, the Middle East problem, and relations with Israel, Lebanon and Egypt.
“Cyprus’ principal role right now is its participation in the fight against terrorism, in combating trafficking of materials of weapons of mass destruction, organised crime, drugs and people trafficking,” he said.
These were the main points of focus, said the minister, who noted that Cyprus’ responsible role in the region is being recognised.
Kasoulides has embarked on a clear policy shift since taking over the ministry, stating his intention to move Cyprus away from, at best, “doubtful” positions of the past to clear positions on key issues, with Western values and interests as its compass.
He expressed hope that as a result, the improved relationship between the US and Cyprus will bear fruit in the coming months.
Evidence of this paradigm shift was seen in Cyprus’ clear support for the new interim government of Egypt, opposition to the Assad regime in Syria and stated desire to apply for membership of NATO’s anteroom, Partnership for Peace.
Other steps previously highlighted by Kasoulides include the extradition of an Iranian national to the US on suspicion of violating UN arms sanctions, prosecuting (and convicting) a Hezbollah member of plotting to attack Israeli citizens in Cyprus and rerouting a Cyprus-flagged container ship carrying dual use material believed to fall under the EU embargo on Syria.
Asked about the Cyprus problem after his meeting with Burns, the minister said the two sides need to prepare the ground so that the two leaders could meet, issue a joint declaration and agree on a new methodology for the talks from this point on, to ensure that the two sides can “achieve results and not talk for the sake of talking”.
On energy matters, Kasoulides highlighted Cyprus’ right to explore for and exploit hydrocarbons within its exclusive economic zone. He added, however, that energy could also play a motivational role in achieving cooperation with neighbouring countries, including energy-hungry Turkey, and between the two communities in Cyprus.
The Cypriot minister also held meetings on Tuesday with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Guatemala, Iraq and Georgia during which ways to enhance bilateral cooperation were discussed.
On Monday, Kasoulides had separate meetings with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy Amos Hochstein.
