Morphou:President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, has expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations concerning the Cyprus issue immediately, emphasizing his readiness to make concessions on specific points that support a functional and viable solution. He underscored his commitment to avoiding actions that would only create temporary momentum.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during the 46th Morphou Municipality anti-occupation rally, Christodoulides highlighted that there would be no compromise with the occupation. He emphasized the importance of striving for a shared homeland for all legal residents of the country, including Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins, without any exclusions or discrimination.
Referring to remarks by Morphou Mayor Victoras Hadjiavraam about positive international developments related to the Cyprus issue, the President noted that significant efforts have been made since he assumed office to break the deadlock and create conditions conducive to resuming negotiations based on the agreed framework and negotiating acquis. This framework is vital for Morphou and respects the principles, values, and laws of the European Union.
Christodoulides reiterated his readiness to resume dialogue, despite challenges and the Turkish President's statements at the United Nations General Assembly advocating for a two-state solution. He emphasized the importance of the reaffirmation of the solution framework by the United Nations, the outgoing Secretary-General's commitment to exhausting every negotiating possibility, and the support of EU institutions and states, evidenced by the appointment of the Executive Vice-President of the Commission as a Special Representative on the Cyprus issue.
The President stressed that optimism for a feasible solution to the Cyprus issue is justified by these developments. He remains realistic about the limits of their side, prepared to make concessions on points aligned with achieving a functional and viable solution. He stated that anything outside this framework is unacceptable.
Christodoulides also highlighted the negotiating acquis, which includes the return of the city of Morphou, a position supported by the UN Secretary-General. He looks forward to future meetings with the Turkish Cypriot leader and the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, as well as engagements between the EU's special representative and the Turkish Government, in the hope of political will from all parties leading to progress.
Mayor Hadjiavraam noted that the hope for Morphou's return remains alive as long as the possibility of a comprehensive settlement exists. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the steadfast positions of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leadership but recognized positive developments, including recent visits and meetings involving the United Nations and European Commission representatives.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Multiple UN-led peace talks have yet to produce results, largely due to Turkish resistance. The last negotiation round in July 2017 ended without a conclusion. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to convene another meeting with broader participation after adequate preparation, although no timeline has been set.