The government’s foreign policy is damaging our country’s vital interests

Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on Cyprus-Russia relations

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 6 December 2018, Nicosia

The policies of the Anastasiades-DISY government have led to yet another failure and another problem for Cyprus. This time, it is the relations of the Republic of Cyprus with a traditionally friendly country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, namely the Russian Federation, which is the victim.

The notorious and much-advertised “multi-dimensional foreign policy” pursued by the government and ruling circles has in practice proven to be anything but like that.

The government, with its contradictions, dogmatism and inconsistent approaches on foreign policy is causing problems and harm.

It is indeed the sovereign right of the Republic of Cyprus to define its own foreign policy. This, however, must be done with a view to serving the vital interests of our country and people. The disruption in the Republic of Cyprus’ relations with the Russian Federation is not in our country’s interest and not in line with the strategic goal of achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem as provided for in the relevant UN resolutions; a solution that liberates and reunites within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.