Nicosia is in touch with participants at the NATO summit for information purposes but also for the possibility of reiterating the key positions in regard with the Republic of Cyprus' interests, Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos told MPs on Tuesday.
Together with Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, Kombos briefed the new parliamentary committee on foreign and European affairs, about the Republic of Cyprus foreign policy as well as the results of the Cyprus EU Council Presidency at the first half of this year.
In statements after the committee meeting and asked whether Nicosia is kept informed about the NATO summit taking place in Ankara this week, the Foreign Affairs Minister said that that it is a very important political event, clarifying that the Republic of Cyprus is not a participant and has therefore no possibility of intervening over what is happening there.
"What we have done, is that have previously been in touch with participants and even today there will be contacts, so that we may be able to put forward again and reiterate key positions to do with the Republic of Cyprus' interests but also for reasons of been generally informed as to what will take place," he noted.
Therefore, he added, "we are monitoring with particular attention what will take place" but always bearing in mind that essentially it is a discussion taking place without the Republic of Cyprus' being able to participate.
The Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that "as soon as we are informed in greater detail" the government will evaluate all outcomes.
Responding to a question as to whether there is something new regarding UN Secretary General's personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin's next visit in Cyprus, Kombos said questions about Holguin's schedule should be addressed to her, adding that there have been some changes from the initial announcement, and spoke of a discussion which took place for reasons of substance. He noted however that there is nothing more he can say in public about the matter.
Addressing MPs earlier the Foreign Affairs Minister said that his Ministry is moving forward in an effort to expand the country's diplomatic footprint.
Among other things he noted that the Republic of Cyprus' position is clear on the role the EU has on the Cyprus issue, adding that today this position is adopted by both the EU and in references in the draft reports of the UN SG released this week.
Referring to Turkey's Cyprus related obligations the Minister said that it is not something which can be taken out of the equation, adding that Nicosia has the political will to discuss these matters, adding that it depends on Turkey itself in relation with there being activity in the Cyprus issue.
Replying to MPs questions about Cyprus being included in the US visa waiver program, Kombos said that the technical evaluation on visas concluded in May last year, pointing out that rejections stood at 2.55% which was the fourth best result from candidate countries.
He added that the US government believes the visa waiver program may affect its migration policy and that it has been frozen. The effort continues, he noted, adding that there have been contacts with the State Department and officials who are responsible about migration policy.
Responding to a question about the arms embargo against Cyprus, the Foreign Affairs Minister explained that there are two bills pending before the US legislative bodies, one which provides for a three year and another for a five-year lift in the embargo.
Asked about Cyprus' accession to Schengen, Kombos replied that the matter is expected to be tabled at the College of Commissioners this week and to be then sent to the Council for a decision.
