The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of the publications concerning a possible Russian presence, in the form of temporary arrangements, to facilitate consular assistance to Russian nationals residing illegally in the occupied territories, in cases of emergency.

This is stated in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, which emphasizes that:

“Within this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also notes today’s clarifying announcement by the Russian Embassy in Nicosia. In light of the above, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs carried out a relevant investigation in Nicosia, but also at the level of our embassy in Moscow.

The Republic of Cyprus has been and is in consultation with the Russian Federation to find ways to deal with this eventuality, in a manner consistent with the principles of international legality and relevant UN Security Council resolutions».

What does Russia say?

The issue of consular protection and physical care of Russians is of a purely administrative and technical nature, although with a strong humanitarian component, reports the Russian Embassy in Cyprus, following the information that came to light in the last few hours about possible consular assistance to Russian nationals in the occupied territories. As pointed out, this matter does not in any way affect the principled position of Russia on the settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Specifically, in a post by the Embassy of Russia in Cyprus on its official Facebook page, it is stated:

“Answer of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cyprus to the question about Russian citizens in the north of Cyprus.

Question: What is the situation with the consular service of the Russians who are in the northern part of Cyprus?

Answer: It is no secret that a significant number of Russians live in the north of the island, according to various estimates – up to several tens of thousands of people. We will not delve into the circumstances of how they got there, but this is an objective, indisputable fact. Of course, our people need consular care and assistance in a number of everyday issues, the protection of their legitimate interests.

The mechanism for providing consular services has its own characteristics, taking into account the peculiarities of this territory, because it is the unrecognized in the world so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. This requires the special approach so that optimal ways are found, of course, in close contact with colleagues in the Republic of Cyprus. Today, as during the entire modern history of bilateral relations, their consular dimension continues to occupy one of the central positions in the political dialogue between our countries.

At the same time, it should be noted that the issue of consular protection and physical care of Russians is purely administrative and technical in nature, although with a strong humanitarian component. Moreover, it in no way affects Russia’s principled position on the settlement of the Cyprus issue. Our approaches remain unchanged, based on the relevant Resolutions of the UN Security Council, including those no. 541 (1983) and no. 550 (1984).

Improper speculations on this subject, attempts to discover an artificial connection between these subjects are confusing».