The Russian embassy in Cyprus will soon start providing consular services “in the northern part of the island”, according to a telegram from the Russian state news agency TASS, cited by a representative of the embassy.

It is about fulfilling the obligations of the Russian authorities to their citizens living in the northern part of Cyprus, said the Russian diplomat, who was not named, emphasizing the fact that several countries, including the US, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and France, have their own diplomatic missions, dealing with consular affairs in northern Cyprus.

In a second telegram from Nicosia, the TASS agency reports a statement by the ambassador of the Russian Federation, Murat Zyazikov, that this decision, which has been developed for a long time, has no political overtones, but – in the opinion of the Russian diplomat – it is dictated exclusively by humanitarian reasons, from caring for their Russian compatriots who live in the northern part of Cyprus.

According to certain estimates, as reported by the TASS agency, more than 50,000 Russian citizens are currently living in the occupied territories.

Referring to Russia’s stance on the Cyprus issue, the Russian ambassador noted that it has not changed. Russia continues to maintain a fundamental position, consistently supporting a comprehensive, sustainable, and just settlement within the well-known international legal framework enshrined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

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Russia will open an office in the occupied territories to provide consular services to Russian citizens, said “Foreign Minister” Tahsin Ertugruloglu, commenting on information spread by the Turkish press that Russia is opening a consulate.

According to Tahsin Ertugruloglu’s statement to TRT Haber, this issue has been around for a year, as Russia wants to open an office and provide consular services for Russian citizens living in the pseudo-state. According to talks, this will be an office and should not be interpreted as Russia recognizing the “TRNC,” he said, referring to the pseudo-state.

The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs is investigating the reports concerning a possible Russian presence in the occupied territories to provide consular assistance, the Ministry’s Spokesman, Theodoros Gotsis, told CNA. The investigation, he added, is being carried out both in Nicosia and by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Moscow.

Source: Kathimerini Cyprus

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