Nicosia: Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has unveiled a proposal aimed at easing tensions with Turkey, leveraging Cyprus's upcoming role as the President of the Council of the EU. The proposal, presented during an interview with Politico, suggests initiating a process for Cyprus to join the Partnership for Peace program, viewed as a preliminary step towards NATO membership. In return, Cyprus would work towards removing obstacles to closer EU-Turkey cooperation.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Christodoulides emphasized a step-by-step approach where Turkey would first allow Cyprus into the PfP. This would be synchronized with positive developments in EU-Turkey relations, alongside renewed discussions for resolving the Cyprus issue within an established framework. He disclosed that discussions on this proposal have already been held with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Cyprus has long aspired to join NATO, but political conditions, particularly Turkey's veto, have hindered this ambition. Christodoulides highlighted that joining the alliance is a natural progression for Cyprus, though Turkey's refusal remains a significant barrier.
Regarding the EU SAFE financial instrument, Christodoulides stated that Turkey has excluded itself by not reaching a security agreement with the EU, emphasizing that participation requires meeting specific conditions akin to the EU accession process.
As Cyprus prepares for its forthcoming EU Council Presidency, Christodoulides expressed readiness to invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to an informal Council meeting in Cyprus on April 23-24. He also commented on the peace plan for Ukraine led by US President Donald Trump, acknowledging its imperfections but recognizing the importance of having a proposal on the table.
Despite Cyprus's non-membership in NATO, Christodoulides noted ongoing cooperation with the U.S. to align Cyprus's armaments and national guard organization with NATO standards, pending favorable political developments.
In addressing the Cyprus issue, Christodoulides referenced a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman and UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy Marangela Holgun, stressing the need to reaffirm past convergences and commence negotiations. He expressed optimism that a solution is achievable with genuine political will.
Additionally, Christodoulides announced Cyprus's aim to join the Schengen free-travel zone by next year, with technical readiness anticipated by the end of the year and a committee recommendation expected in 2026. He assured that Turkish Cypriots' free movement across the ceasefire line would remain unaffected.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Efforts to reach a UN-led peace agreement have repeatedly stalled, with the last negotiations in 2017 ending inconclusively.