(Adnkronos) – Italy welcomed European Commission vice-president Raffaele Fitto’s appointment on Monday as special representative for Cyprus, saying it reflects the bloc’s commitment “at the highest level” to the divided island’s reunification – an issue that is “absolutely crucial for Europe” and for the entire Mediterranean.
“It is an important and fitting appointment for many reasons: first and foremost, the EU is demonstrating its commitment to addressing the issue of Cyprus’s reunification at the highest level – with one of its vice president – to which Fitto will bring his political experience and the weight of his office,” Tajani said.
The choice of Fitto confirms that the EU executive “wants a solution and does not want to shelve this issue and forget about it,” Tajani continued, speaking from Brussels, where he was attending an EU foreign affairs committee meeting.
Fitto “will bring to these negotiations a balanced attitude, respect, and understanding for the choices made by the various sides,” Tajani went on.
“To Raffaele Fitto, I offer my personal congratulations and my commitment to mobilise Italian diplomacy in support of this mission, which is absolutely crucial for Europe,” Tajani added.
In his role as EU special representative, Fitto will work closely with the UN secretary-general’s special envoy to Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, preparing the ground for the resumption of negotiations and supporting “a comprehensive and lasting solution, including through building trust between all stakeholders and interlocutors,” said an EU commission statement.
“Executive vice-president Fitto will bring his long-standing experience in European governance, regional cooperation and institutional dialogue. It will support the Commission’s efforts to facilitate progress towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue,” the statement concluded.
The internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus (predominantly Greek Cypriot), an EU member state, governs the south, while the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognised only by Turkey) controls the north. The island has been divided since 1974 after a Greek-backed military coup prompted a Turkish military invasion.
