India can contribute in resolution of Cyprus crisis too: Nicos Anastasiades
PRESIDENTIAL PALACE, NICOSIA, CYPRUS: India is playing the role of stabilising force not only in South Asia but beyond and can contribute in resolution of Cyprus crisis with the process for reunification of the two parts of strategically located island gathering momentum in the recent years, suggested Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.
Nicos Anastasiades, who will meet the PM in Delhi later this week during his state visit, told ET in a freewheeling interaction on Friday that he would ask Narendra Modi if the Indian leader would like to play a role that would contribute to the reunification process. The president is himself involved with the peace process since coming to power in 2013.
Incidentally, Cypriot President’s visit will be followed by visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May first week. Turkish forces occupied part of Cyprus in 1974 and Istanbul’s role is critical in the process to reunify both parts of Cyprus that has been at crossroads of Greek, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman empires for centuries.
“India and Cyprus have traditionally been close partners. India has been supporting Cyprus for decades on several political issues. From independence movement to the Non-Alignment Movement to the 1974 crisis, Delhi has stood by Cyprus. India has had principled stand of solving Cyprus question based on UN resolutions,” the President said, adding Cyprus on its part would assist India in its FTA negotiations with the European Union as EU member state.
"Cyprus enjoys strategic position in the region. It can be India’s gateway to EU. Cyprus also has good ties with Russia, Israel, Egypt, Gulf states and Palestine. The Cypriot president will be accompanied by top members of his cabinet, including finance, shipping and agriculture ministers."
Nicos Anastasiades, who will meet the PM in Delhi later this week during his state visit, told ET in a freewheeling interaction on Friday that he would ask Narendra Modi if the Indian leader would like to play a role that would contribute to the reunification process. The president is himself involved with the peace process since coming to power in 2013.
Incidentally, Cypriot President’s visit will be followed by visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May first week. Turkish forces occupied part of Cyprus in 1974 and Istanbul’s role is critical in the process to reunify both parts of Cyprus that has been at crossroads of Greek, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman empires for centuries.
“India and Cyprus have traditionally been close partners. India has been supporting Cyprus for decades on several political issues. From independence movement to the Non-Alignment Movement to the 1974 crisis, Delhi has stood by Cyprus. India has had principled stand of solving Cyprus question based on UN resolutions,” the President said, adding Cyprus on its part would assist India in its FTA negotiations with the European Union as EU member state.
"Cyprus enjoys strategic position in the region. It can be India’s gateway to EU. Cyprus also has good ties with Russia, Israel, Egypt, Gulf states and Palestine. The Cypriot president will be accompanied by top members of his cabinet, including finance, shipping and agriculture ministers."