SOCIETY 383

SOCIETY
INTERVIEW
Problems and prospects
SOCIETY met H.E. Maria Michail, Ambassador of Cyprus to Austria, to talk about
bilateral relations with Austria, migration, the Cyprus issue and why it is worth
visiting the beautiful island country.
INTERVIEW BY GERTRUD TAUCHHAMMER
46
H.E. Maria Michail reading in a
book about her country
In 2022, Cyprus and Austria celebrated 60 years
of diplomatic relations – what characterizes the
current relationship between the two countries?
The relationship between our two countries is
based on strong bonds of friendship and shared
values, as well as mutual respect and understanding.
Cyprus and Austria are two EU Member States
that face similar challenges and we both attach
great importance to European
ideals and principles, respect to
international law and adherence
to multilateralism.
Our bilateral relationship is
guided by an extended institutional
framework of cooperation
that includes, amongst others, a
number of important Agreements
and Memoranda in many fields.
Of course, there is promising
potential in further deepening and
enhancing our already cordial relations in a multitude
of areas, which would benefit our people and
economies, and I stand ready during my tenure in
Vienna to work towards achieving this.
How is the current situation in Cyprus with regard
to the issue of migration? How would (EU) policies
need to change in order to tackle this problem?
Cyprus and Austria face similar challenges regarding
illegal migration and we have been cooperating
effectively, both at a bilateral and especially at
the EU level.
As regards to the situation in Cyprus, over the
past 5 years, we have consistently been the Member
State with the highest number of first-time
applications for international protection in relation
to our population size.
More than 81% of applicants for international
protection in Cyprus come directly from Turkey,
or through the areas that are not under the effective
control of the government of Cyprus. Starting
from 2021 and until today, the increasing irregular
arrivals by sea and by land, through the Turkish
occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus show
an alarming trend. The numbers are indicative of
the highly disproportionate pressure put upon the
asylum and reception systems of Cyprus, as well
as the capacity of the country to integrate such
large influx.
How to tackle the problem at EU level? We
have been supporting the need to develop a new
European policy on migration and asylum, truly
inspired by the principles of solidarity and responsibility
that would be fairly shared among all Member
States in a way that would reflect their integration
capacities.
At the same time, the need to exert real pressure
on third countries in order to stop the instrumentalization
of migrants is imminent. The EU
should develop a toolbox for a swift and effective
response in order to enhance Member States’ resilience
to this hybrid threat (i.e. instrumentalization
of migrants). It is important to agree on a gradual
use of preventive measures and actions, in order to
oblige third countries to cease such actions.
Since the collapse of negotiations for reaching a
settlement of the Cyprus problem at Crans-Montana
in 2017, unification talks have stalled. What
are the conditions for negotiations to be continued?
The occupation of Cyprus is an “open wound”
in the heart of Europe for almost five decades.
Although we often use the term “Cyprus Problem”,
one must bear in mind that it remains in essence
a European problem. Cyprus is the only Member
State of the European Union that is divided due to
foreign military occupation.
The newly elected President Mr. Nikos Christodoulides
declared our unwavering commitment
to work towards resuming peace talks aimed at
reaching a settlement of the Cyprus issue on the
agreed basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation
with political equality as prescribed in the relevant
UN Security Council resolutions. The status
quo is unacceptable and not only solidifies the fait
accompli, but also creates new ones. We stand
ready to resume talks based on the agreed UN
framework, because we want an end to the occupation
and the reunification of our country.
Mr. Christodoulides has already reached out to
the EU to assume an active, enhanced role, both
for the resumption of talks, as well as during the
negotiating process, always under UN auspices.
The EU has the toolbox and can provide incentives
for all parties involved, through a gradual, mutually
beneficial process.
Taking this opportunity, I also want to extend
our deep appreciation for Austria’s longstanding
support to our efforts to reach a comprehensive
settlement on the Cyprus issue and Austria’s participation
in the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
In 2022, the Government of Cyprus has introduced
a new strategy for attracting foreign companies
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