Cypriot ambassador: Pristina us not honoring its obligations, our position on Kosovo and Metohija is unchanged

When asked whether Cyprus is under pressure to change its position on the Kosovo and Metohija issue (his is one of 5 EU countries that do not recognize Kosovo), he replied that it is normal for certain groups of countries to try to impose their will, but that he would not call it "pressure"

Cyprus does not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo and is not thinking about changing this position, said the country's ambassador to Serbia, Demetrios Theophylactou, and stressed that it is obvious that Pristina is not honoring its obligations and must start fulfilling the Brussels Agreement, as the only framework for progress in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

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"The position of Cyprus, as well as several other EU countries, is known. We, too, are the victims of aggression and invasion, we have a similar situation in Cyprus. As long as UN Resolution 1244 is valid, we consider the unilateral declaration of independence (of Kosovo) to be illegal and contrary to the law", Ambassador Theophylactou told Tanjug in a interview, when asked what the position of Cyprus is regarding the announced request of Pristina to join the EU.

He recalled that Cyprus is not the only EU country that does not recognize Kosovo, which is why he believes that this principled position, based on international law, the Charter of the United Nations, will be recognized and respected.

"We will continue with our policy and we believe that it is always taken into account," added Theophylactou.

Commenting on the current situation in Kosovo and Metohija, the tensions after the latest moves and statements from Pristina and the exit of Serb representatives from Kosovo institutions, the ambassador said that the situation is tense and that there is risk of escalation, while Cyprus fully supports the mission and efforts of the EU special envoy Miroslav Lajcak.

"Even technical issues, such as car registration, can lead to escalation and be a trigger for a larger conflict. We fully support the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and we see that the Serbian government has been consistent in implementing the Brussels Agreement. Unfortunately, and we are not the only ones who see it, Pristina is not fulfilling its obligations. That is a significant reason why the situation is what it is today," Theophylactou pointed out.

He added, bearing in mind the geopolitical context, that Europe cannot afford another conflict, whether small or large, and that is why Cyprus, as a member of the EU, is monitoring with concern the development of the situation and trying to provide its contribution.

"We call on both parties to refrain, to avoid rhetoric that can lead to tensions, and we hope that dialogue and goodwill will prevail. Currently, we see that one side is not fulfilling its obligations and we call on it to show restraint and respect the Brussels Agreement, which is the only framework that can be the basis for progress in the dialogue", the Cypriot ambassador was clear.

When asked whether Cyprus is under pressure to change its position on the Kosovo and Metohija issue, he answered that it is normal for certain groups of countries to try to impose their will, but that he would not call it pressure.

"But pressure or no pressure, there are certain issues of vital national interest. That's why we don't give in to pressure and our stance remains principled," said Theophylactou.

He stressed that Cyprus is not even thinking about changing its position.

"We have not accepted the occupation of a part of our territory for 40 years, so we cannot accept the unilateral declaration of Kosovo's independence either. For small countries, such as Serbia and Cyprus, the only 'weapon' is to refer to international law," said Theophylactou.

He added that he believes that the partners in the EU, who do not recognize Kosovo, will not change their position either.

"We know that there is pressure for various reasons. We will see how the others will respond, but the answer of Cyprus will be - a 'no'," the ambassador was clear.

When it comes to the overall bilateral relations between Serbia and Cyprus, the ambassador pointed out that the two countries have historical ties, but also that we are both Orthodox Christians, we were part of the Non-Aligned Movement, we share the same values, and we fought against the same enemies.

"Even though we are geographically distant, we think alike", stated Theophylactou.

Nevertheless, he indicated that in the modern world relations cannot be based only on historical ties, but must move forward, and that his job as an ambassador, is to spur additional development of cooperation in the field of economy.

"Serbia is the land of sports, numerous teams come to Cyprus for preparations. There is potential for scientific cooperation between universities, in the development of new technologies. We support trilateral cooperation between Serbia, Greece and Cyprus, especially in the field of innovation, because joint projects and efforts are needed in in that field. Our bilateral economic relations are growing. We believe that our relations will continue to develop," concluded the Cypriot ambassador to Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs)