Nicosia: The reunification of Cyprus is a one-way path, stated on Sunday by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, emphasizing the sole concern of the President of the Republic in his ongoing efforts. Ioannou remarked, “we are entering a critical week for the Cyprus problem,” signaling potential advancements in the longstanding issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the minister spoke at a memorial service for those killed during the coup of July 15, 1974, and the subsequent Turkish invasion, held at Agios Theodoros Church. He noted that the unwavering goal of the Greek Cypriot side is to restart dialogue from where it was interrupted during the last talks in July 2017 in Crans-Montana.
Ioannou highlighted that through consistent and responsible efforts and diplomatic initiatives, the stagnation observed for seven years regarding the Cyprus issue has ended. He stated that the President of the Republic will participate in a multilateral conference convened by the UN Secretary-General in New York, aiming for substantive discussion and positive outcomes.
The final goal, as articulated by Ioannou, is to reach a viable and functional solution that safeguards the rights of all legitimate citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. This solution would eliminate the presence of occupying armies, guarantor powers, and intervention rights, and ensure peace, security, and prosperity for all lawful residents.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, negotiations have failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations in 2017 ended without resolution.
The UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres re-appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, with the European Commission appointing Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus, working in close cooperation with Holgun to contribute to the settlement process.