It seems that EU Foreign Affairs Council is adopting Turkey’s narrative on the conflict in Syria and Idlib with the agreement of the Republic of Cyprus
Statement by Christos Christofides, AKEL Political Bureau member, on the EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 8th March 2020, Nicosia
The Conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on the situation in Syria and more specifically in Idlip, which were approved with the consent of the Republic of Cyprus, raise questions.
The Conclusions blame the Syrian Authorities and Russia for the humanitarian catastrophe in the region of Idlib. At the same time, the Conclusions state that “the Council also acknowledges the difficult situation Turkey is facing due to the offensive in Idlib and its consequences”. It seems that the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs Council is adopting Turkey’s narrative on the conflict in Syria and more particularly on Idlip with the agreement of the Republic of Cyprus.
We ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus who was present (at the Council) and the Government to clarify their position. Do they indeed adopt Turkey’s narrative and objectives in Syria and Idlip? Do they really believe that the Syrian Authorities and Russia are to blame of the crisis? Do they completely relieve Turkey of its responsibilities? How did the Foreign Minister and the government agree to such text of conclusions?
The matter is very serious. We will wait for the Cypriot Government’s explanations so that we can express an overall position.
