Macron assures of France’s support for a Cyprus solution on UN parameters

France remains committed to seeking a just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, based on the parameters defined by the UN Security Council, said President Emmanuel Macron in a congratulatory message to President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides on the occasion of Cyprus’ Independence Day.

A statement from the Presidency said that in his message, the French President noted ‘on the occasion of the national holiday for the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus, I am pleased to extend, on behalf of the French people and myself personally, my warmest wishes to you and to all Cypriots”.

‘The bonds of friendship and trust that unite our two countries are more necessary than ever, in an unstable international environment,’ he added.

‘Faced with the dangerous escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza, I would like to commend your efforts and thank you for the support of the Republic of Cyprus to the French forces. Beyond the strategic nature of our defen
ce cooperation, this testifies to the spirit of solidarity that defines our relationship”, the French President said.

Macron continued by stating that ‘as 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the EU, I am pleased that France and Cyprus share a common vision for a more united, more sovereign, more democratic, and more competitive Europe.’

‘I know that I can count on your support to ensure that the work we are undertaking to reduce our dependencies and strengthen our European strategic autonomy will continue with ambition and determination,’ he added.

The French President also highlighted that he is convinced that ‘our exchanges within the framework of MED9, of which Cyprus holds the Presidency, and at the Summit, which I will have the pleasure of attending in a few days, will allow us to work together to identify common responses to the challenges we face in Europe’.

‘Even though this year marks 60 years of the presence of UNFICYP and 50 years since the Turkish invasion of northern Cypru
s, France remains committed to seeking a just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, based on the parameters defined by the Security Council. You know that you can count on France’s continuous support in this matter’, he reiterated.

He expressed hope that ‘the coming year will provide the opportunity to further intensify our excellent bilateral relations in all fields, particularly in education, economic and energy cooperation, and defence’. He also welcomed the strengthening of ties within the framework of the Francophonie.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively

Source: Cyprus News Agency