Dora Bakoyanni: It's Not Possible to Relate the Cyprus Issue to Kosovo

Bakoyanni rejected the intense criticism that creating a precedent for "other separatist entities" following the approval by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) of its proposal regarding Kosovo's accession to the Council of Europe was absolutely baseless, stating that she has been subjected to extreme right-wing attacks and that President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus is well aware that the issue has no connection to Cyprus.

Referring to the relevant decision of the International Court of Justice, Bakoyanni stated that it is not possible to relate the Cyprus issue to the Kosovo issue, emphasizing that they are two different matters.

Within the framework of her statement, Bakoyanni argued that there is an occupation and invasion in Cyprus and that Kosovo has no historical relationship with it.

Bakoyanni stated that if there were to be a decision regarding the status of Kosovo, she would not undertake such a report, as her view aligns with that of her country, which does not recognize Kosovo.

Bakoyanni also emphasized that the report on Kosovo is only about human rights.

Responding to a question about the Cyprus issue, Bakoyanni addressed Ankara, stating that negotiations could resume based on UN resolutions.

Bakoyanni expressed hope for the start of a dialogue with the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin as the Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus, stating that the dialogue should be based on the UN resolutions for a bicommunal, bizonal federation.

Bakoyanni argued that if the Turkish side understands that the remaining issues it demands cannot provide the basis for dialogue, and that the framework will not change and cannot change due to the UN, then a dialogue could also begin.

In response to a question about whether the positive agenda in Turkish-Greek relations could accelerate progress on the Cyprus issue, Bakoyanni stated that while this could be beneficial in terms of atmosphere, they are far from discussing substantive issues in Turkish-Greek relations, emphasizing that ultimately, there can be no Turkish-Greek relations without Cyprus, as the Prime Minister has also stated.

Source: Politis