Republic of Cyprus co-signs the joint statement on Gaza, Foreign Ministry says

The Republic of Cyprus has co-signed a British initiative on a joint statement on Gaza, along with around 20 European Union member states and other countries, choosing to stand in favour of a declaration of broad support and institutional validity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday, 22 July.

The statement, it said, is “in complete harmony with our own initiatives to provide humanitarian aid through the sea corridor.”

According to the Foreign Ministry, the escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in recent days, “makes it imperative to strengthen the international community’s political and diplomatic messages to all sides, and this statement is part of this collective effort.” “The timing of the signing is linked to the formation of a strong majority of states that support its content, an element that strengthens its institutional weight and increases the possibility of a substantial impact at this juncture,” it adds.

Noting that Cyprus “systematically evaluates” the manner and timing of its interventions, so that they are substantive, effective and supported by a broad international coalition, it said that the decision to support this statement “reflects the deterioration of the situation on the ground, the need to strengthen the collective influence of the international community and the pursuit of coordinated action”, noting “the overwhelming majority” of the states that signed it.

At the same time, it adds, Cyprus aligned itself with the other two states of the EU Trio Presidency, Poland and Denmark, “confirming good cooperation and cohesion in the context of the preparation of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.”

“This stance is fully consistent with Cyprus’ firm position in favour of increasing humanitarian assistance to civilians, with full respect for Israel’s international obligations” and having as priority the dialogue with Israel, “as a friendly country”, it said.  

The Ministry also states that the statement “reinforces the message of the Republic of Cyprus to all parties and is in complete harmony with our own initiatives to provide humanitarian aid through the sea corridor”.

Cyprus, “with institutional responsibility and sincere dialogue with Israel”, it said, takes a clear stand while at the same time, “serving” the principles of International Law and the humanitarian dimension of the crisis.

(Source: CNA)