Foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides drew the ire of opposition parties on Saturday, which claimed his remarks on a Russian Foreign ministry spokeswoman’s comments absolved Turkey of its responsibilities in the Cyprus problem.
Russian Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Ankara is flagrantly interfering in the negotiation process, promoting its own interests that are not related to finding a viable solution to the island’s division.
“We’ve noticed recent publications in Turkish-Cypriot mass media, where the subject was on contacts of the delegation’s representatives from the [parliament] of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with the Turkish leadership, and with [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan in particular,” Zakharova was quoted as saying by Sputniknews.
“According to the information in these materials, the Turkish leader is openly inciting Turkish Cypriots on a hard and uncompromising line during the continuing negotiations in Cyprus, including on the touchy issue of territorial differentiation.”
She had been referring to a report by Turkish daily Milliyet last week, according to which Erdogan told the breakaway regime in the north’s ‘House Speaker’ Sibel Siber to “stand upright on Cyprus, take no steps back”.
Asked to comment on Zakharova’s remarks, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides noted Russia’s traditional stance of supporting Cyprus in the UN Security Council but declined to be drawn into a discussion.
“There were publications by third parties concerning positions outlined by Mr Erdogan,” he said of the Milliyet report.
“These were never made official. I think we should leave it at that.”
Kasoulides’ hand-washing stance towards Russia’s remarks raises serious questions, especially following President Nicos Anastasiades’ two-hour briefing of parliament on progress in the Cyprus problem talks, in which he failed to condemn Turkey, DIKO said.
“Does Mr Kasoulides forget that the Republic of Cyprus always turns to Russia for help in addressing its undermining in the Security Council, mainly by Britain?” party spokeswoman Christiana Erotocritou asked.
“Unfortunately, even after the most recent intransigent views and actions by Turkey, which aim at disbanding the Republic of Cyprus and the political and strategic control of the island, Mr Kasoulides holds a neutral stance and does not condemn Mr Erdogan’s remarks.”
Socialist EDEK accused Kasoulides of operating “superficially and without strategic depth”.
“Instead of being utilised, the Russian factor, which proves especially supportive to the Republic of Cyprus’ views and efforts for a democratic settlement of the Cyprus problem, is being undermined and sidelined,” EDEK said.
“Mr Kasoulides’ political mishaps have no end.”
Citizens’ Alliance leader Yiorgos Lillikas said the foreign minister does not understand how Cyprus should treat friendly countries like Russia.
“By implying that Russia is informed and shapes its foreign policy on the basis of press reports, he disrespects a friendly country like Russia,” Lillikas said.
“If the foreign minister makes excuses for Ankara, why would countries like Russia continue to support our national cause or exert pressure on Turkey to abandon its intransigent stance?”
