Cyprus President Anastasiades described the discussion on the country’s NATO membership as premature.

ATHENS, May 14 – RIA Novosti. Greek Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades believes it is too early to discuss Nicosia’s NATO membership due to Turkey’s position that would prevent Cyprus from joining the alliance.

After the opening ceremony of the new building of the rehabilitation center for members of the National Organization of Cypriot Warriors (EOKA), Anastasiades was asked by journalists if there was any possibility of starting discussions on NATO and Cyprus membership.

“I think it’s too early to discuss such a thing. Even if there was the will of the Cypriot government, there are serious problems that would face procedural issues and of course Turkey’s objection. For the state to become a NATO member, unanimity is required,” said Anastasiades. The statement was distributed by the Press and Information Bureau.

“Besides, we are a small country, we need protection, of course, and most importantly, protection must be effective and any decision must be approved by the people.”

When asked about new sanctions against Russia, Anastasiades said that some EU sanctions against Russia will not be accepted if they do not help and comply with the EU’s intended target.

The EU will discuss new sanctions against Russia on Monday. When asked how the Cypriot government would act, Anastasiades said that “some concerns have already been expressed about the sixth package”.

“We said they should be targeted with the consequences in mind. At the same time, European partners should consider their impact on EU Member States and ultimately there should be sanctions against the occupying country and not the Member States. Therefore, we will act accordingly,” he said.

The President said, “We are in favor of the unity of the EU and the measures to be taken in case of violation of international law. This, of course, cannot exclude Cyprus.”

When asked if Cyprus could join the sanctions, the President replied that there was no such thing.

“If some of the proposed measures we have identified and documented show that they are not helpful, that they do not correspond to the objective pursued by the EU, then these specific measures will not be taken,” he said.