The Turkish threat...

(BRUSSELS2 to Strasbourg) Cypriot President Demetris Christofias was clear when speaking to the press at the European Parliament on Wednesday (4 July). Cyprus has to face a “threatening neighbour, Turkey”. One word that has come back to Cyprus is " a half-occupied country - 37% of our territory is occupied. It is an anachronism in the XNUMXst century. Cyprus must spend millions on its defense to face the policy of Turkey. While we want to demilitarize Cyprus ».

This usual visit at the start of the presidency (each rotating presidency comes before the European Parliament to explain its priorities) also had an objective, just as ritual for the country this time, to draw attention to the Turkish occupation of the north of the Island and get support. This one did not fail.

"It's not the EU that joins Turkey, it's the other way around"

Martin Schulz (PES, Germany), President of the European Parliament, gave him strong support. " The European Union has rules and Turkey must respect them. One of the rules of the European Union is the rotating presidency. It is a right and a duty for Cyprus to hold the presidency. I said this recently during a visit to Abdullah Gül (the Turkish President) and to the Turkish leadership during my recent visit to Istanbul. It is not the European Union which is going to join Turkey, it is the opposite, Turkey must respect the rules of the European Union. "" I cannot accept that we accept a German and not a Cypriot. » he added. At the end of the ritual of questions and answers, the president took the floor again (which is rather unusual) to warmly thank Europe and the European Parliament “ support for the threat posed by Turkey ».

Cyprus confirms its request for help from Russia

The Cypriot president also explained his position on the island's request for financial aid from Russia. A request that is still relevant. The reasons for this request are very simple and prosaic for Demetris Christofias. Quite simply ! " The conditions offered by Russia are better than the European mechanism. And (Russia) does not set any conditions, it does not ask us for anything. Interest rates are low. “It is not his quality as a communist that pushes him towards Russia, he insisted on warning the laymen. " Drop the story that Communists are ruling Cyprus today. he explained to reporters. " Cyprus as a country in the Mediterranean, inhabited by Orthodox Christians, has traditional and cultural ties with the Russian Federation that go back a long way. There is a whole story behind it. (And by the way) Russia is a partner of the European Union, it is not an enemy. » It should be noted that this aid will complement that requested from the European Union (and not replace it) specified a Cypriot diplomat to B2. NB: it is also a good means of pressure and negotiation...

NB: I am in Cyprus for a few days. And so we will have some details or information about this new presidency that is coming.