Nicosia: The President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides has stressed that despite the obstacles, we continue to support the initiative of the UNSG for the Cyprus issue, “with the conviction that we can have tangible results towards the resumption of talks and the resolution of the Cyprus problem”. Addressing Saturday evening the Famagusta Municipality’s anti-occupation event, he noted that small steps that are being taken have their own importance if we take into account where we started in March 2023 and what was the Turkish position at the time.
According to Cyprus News Agency, referring to Famagusta, President Christodoulides said that it can be a substantial and practical confidence-building measure. He mentioned this issue to the Turkish Foreign Minister during a recent meeting in New York, emphasizing that Famagusta is at the forefront of efforts to break the deadlock and create prospects for resuming talks. The President highlighted the proximity to the crossing point leading to Famagusta and expressed a commitment to the goal of liberation and reunification.
He recalled the haunting memories of Famagusta, a city left in ruins for fifty-one years since the dark days of August, affecting those expelled from their homes. Despite challenges and disappointments, the President remains optimistic about the potential for progress under specific conditions.
The President noted ongoing efforts to attract international interest in the Cyprus problem since he took office two and a half years ago. While recent informal conferences have not yielded desired results, they have kept hope alive and demonstrated that political will and methodology can lead to breakthroughs. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts by the UN Secretary-General, including a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader in New York in September, and an expanded conference following the elections in the Turkish Cypriot community.
Despite obstacles, the President reiterated support for the UNSG’s initiative, confident in achieving tangible results. He stressed the significance of small steps, especially given the starting point in March 2023 and Turkish positions at that time. The developments, he stated, maintain hope and perspective for achieving goals through assertive realism.
The President recalled the unthinkability of the current initiative two years ago when demands for sovereign equality recognition were made by Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leader as prerequisites for discussions. He assured that such demands were not accepted and will not be accepted. The United Nations, the European Union, and the international community do not accept a two-state solution.
He emphasized the importance of recent discussions in New York, where both the Turkish Cypriot leader and the Turkish Foreign Minister were made aware of the clear positions of the UN Secretary-General and the British Minister for Europe on the form of a solution. Despite challenges, the President remains convinced that the occupation wall is not impenetrable.
The President highlighted the necessity of resolving the Cyprus problem to enable Turkey to move beyond outdated perceptions and policies. A solution would align Turkey with modern democratic environments and support its national goals, including its European path and regional role.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third. Varosha, a fenced-off section of Famagusta, is often called a ‘ghost town’. UN Security Council resolutions 550 and 789 call for Varosha’s transfer to UN administration and an extension of UN control to include Varosha. Recent actions by Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leaders have raised international concerns.
Meetings in Geneva and New York, convened by the UNSG, aim to continue dialogue on the Cyprus issue. Another meeting is anticipated later this year to follow up on agreed initiatives. The two sides continue discussions on outstanding issues, including crossing points and a solar energy installation in the buffer zone. Cooperation on cultural artifact exchanges is also underway, with the involvement of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus and the European Commission’s Special Envoy for Cyprus.