Cyprus defends appointment of EU envoy Raffaele Fitto

The Republic of Cyprus has expressed its support for the appointment of European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the new EU Special Representative for the Cyprus issue. Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, defended the decision in an interview with Euronews following criticism from the Turkish Cypriot leadership, which labeled the appointment unacceptable due to a lack of prior consultation. Raouna maintained that the Cyprus problem is a European issue, emphasizing that the EU has a vital role in supporting UN-led negotiations for the reunification of the country. She clarified that the appointment is not biased and aims to foster regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Republic of Cyprus officially joined the EU in 2004 as a single entity, despite the lack of effective government control over the occupied northern territories. The government argues that reunification will provide significant benefits for all Cypriots and improve EU-Turkey relations. While the Cypriot government views the appointment as a positive step, the Turkish Cypriot side continues to oppose it.