London Greek Radio

Foreign Minister 0f Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulides and his British counterpart Boris Johnson discussed today the prospects for resumption of the negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue, in the margins of the Council of EU Foreign Ministers, held in Brussels today. I.Kasoulides reaffirmed  President Anastasiades` will to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, while pointing out that the new Turkish absurd claims such as the issue of the “four freedoms” further complicate the process.

Boris Johnson (L) – Ioannis Kasoulides (R)

Boris Johnson expressed confidence that mutually acceptable formula is feasible on the security issue and I.Kasoulides stressed that while they have filed several constructive ideas, clearly the right unilateral intervention of a third State and perpetual stationing of Turkish troops is out of the question. The Minister met with his British counterpart at the latter’s request to discuss the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

During the main Council`s works, the Eu 28 discussed  security and defense issues, developments in the Western Balkans, migration and the implementation of the new framework of partnership with third countries, the peace process in the Middle East and the issue of EU – Egypt relations.  A joint meeting of the Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of the EU Member States, also took place, where defense and security issues, such as those arising from the EU`s global strategy.

The EU foreign Ministers also discussed developments in the Western Balkans. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Frederica Mogherini informed them on the tour she has completed in the region. The EU28 also talked about migration, focusing on the 3rd progress report on the implementation of the new framework of partnership with third countries.

The 28 Foreign Ministers also invited the Foreign Minister of Egypt Sameh Hassan Shoukry during lunch,  for a detailed review of the EU – Egypt relations and their prospects.

In his speech I.Kasoulides welcomed the opportunity for comprehensive review of the relations with Egypt (regional, migration, human rights, economy etc.), underlining the strategic role of the country in a turbulent region and the need for the EU support reforms in the country.

Finally, the Foreign Ministers discussed the latest developments in the Middle East as well as how they shaped the roles and positions of the EU in the Peace Process in the Middle East.