By Jean Christou
PRESIDENT Demetris Christofias wrapped up his visit to Russia yesterday with strong criticism of NATO, saying Cyprus would never
become a member as long as he was President.
After signing seven agreements with Russia covering financial, commercial and political spheres, Christofias was given an honorary doctorate by the University
of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Following his speech at the ceremony, he said there was a need for the world to return to a security system that would ensure the application of the principles
of international law.
Christofias said a proposal by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, which Cyprus officially supports, was designed to reassess and redraft the security system in
Europe and elsewhere.
"This proposal deserves a lot of attention from the EU and the international community," Christofias said, adding French President Nicholas Sarkozy
had also taken up the issue.
Christofias said he believed NATO no longer had reason to exist after the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. Attempts by NATO to draw the EU into its
"adventures" were unacceptable, the President said.
"Cyprus, an EU member, is not associated and will not be linked to NATO as long as this government is in place," he said. "And I would like to
believe that this will be the case with other governments to come."
Cyprus was until EU accession in 2004 a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Even if it wished to join NATO, it would be blocked by member Turkey.
"Cyprus chose the role of active neutrality and joined the Non-Aligned Movement," said Christofias, adding that Archbishop Makarios was actually one
of the founders of NAM.
"Today, of course, Cyprus, as a full member of the European Union, no longer belongs to the Movement. It remains, however, a non-member of NATO and any
other military pact. Cyprus continues to play the role it played for centuries as a bridge between cultures," he added.
Asked if Cyprus' European partners were understanding of his position on Medvedev's proposal or whether he was considered the 'black sheep' or
indeed the 'red sheep' of Europe, Christofias said: "My EU partners are well aware that I am a red sheep."
"But I wonder whether other EU members ask permission from other member states before they take a stance on an issue such as this proposal, which relates
to a collective security system based on principles which the EU advocates as well," he said.
Commenting on Cyprus-US relations, Christofias said he did not regard himself as "an enemy" of either the US or the UK. Both countries were needed to
help Cyprus reach a comprehensive settlement, he said.
He also said Cyprus wished to see Turkey becoming an EU member, but it must respect EU principles.
"We do not want the Turkish military to determine Turkey's foreign policy or to control the socioeconomic life of the country," he said.
Speaking later at a news conference in Moscow to wrap up the three-day visit, Christofias said that in addition to the agreements signed, Commerce Minister
Antonis Paschalides had met representatives of Russian gas giant Gazprom to discuss co-operation.
Other reports said he had encouraged Russian companies to bid for desalination projects in Cyprus.
Central to Christofias' visit were a possible deal on the purchase of €200 million worth of Russian military hardware, and talks on removing Cyprus from
Russia's tax blacklist, tightening regulations on Russian companies repatriating dividends tax-free from Cyprus.
"It is my conviction that we will solve this issue in a positive way that would satisfy both sides and satisfy the ambition of Cyprus to continue to be a
means of channelling investments into the Russian Federation, which the Russian Federation also wants," he said.
One disappointment for Christofias during his trip was that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin could not meet with him due to other commitments.
Christofias said Putin had asked for his understanding over his inability to meet the Cypriot delegation. The President returns to Cyprus today.
