Cyprus said on Tuesday there should be “absolute clarity” on Britain’s plans vis-à-vis the EU.
President Nicos Anastasiades, on arrival at a crucial EU summit in Brussels, said that Europe regrets but also respects the decision of the British people and called on the member states to secure the unity of the remaining 27.
“We expect Premier Cameron to tell us how he sees the future relationship. The British people have decided. We regret it but we respect it. What is the main interest at the moment is how to secure the unity of the 27 and to see how we can build up a close relationship with the UK as a partner,” he said.
Government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides, who is accompanying the president said there should be absolute clarity on the state of affairs with Britain. “There is a decision of the British people, with which we disagree as it is not something we wanted, but it is clear and it has to be fully respected. Beyond that, during tonight`s dinner all the heads of state and government expect to hear from Mr Cameron how to proceed with the decision of the British people,” he said.
“There must be clarity; there should not be any legal vacuum, in order to proceed. Beyond that, the European Union continues its course and I think that both sides, the UK and the EU, wish to have a close relationship, which will be seen through the transformation of Britain`s status as a member state in the new relationship to be created. The position of the Republic of Cyprus is seen in this context. Under that, there should be absolute clarity, a clear state of affairs and we will decide how to proceed to the next step.”
Invited to comment on the status and future of Cyprus-UK bilateral relations, the spokesperson said bilateral relations with Britain were excellent both through the EU and the Commonwealth.
Concerning other issues on the EU agenda on Tuesday, Christodoulides cited immigration, the common market, and EU-NATO relations.
Referring to a meeting Anastasiades had with Mateo Renzi, the Italian Prime Minister, Christodoulides talked about Renzi`s interest in Cyprus’ third gas licensing round.
“In the new situation that is being shaped, Italy would like to play a greater role, so there was an exchange of views on how we proceed,” the spokesman said.
“It is already known that there is a strong interest in Italy for the third licensing round. The Italian Prime Minister asked to be informed about the energy plans of the Republic, while there was a discussion about the exchange of visits between the president and the Italian prime minister.” (CNA)
