Paphos: Our efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem are never-ending and continue with the same intensity, despite Turkey’s intransigent stance, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Sunday, delivering a memorial speech in Paphos, for falling soldiers during the Turkish invasion of 1974.
According to Cyprus News Agency, he underlined the Greek Cypriot side’s unwavering commitment for a solution, saying once again that once the President assumed office, he set the resumption of peace talks as his highest goal.
Letymbiotis went on to say that the efforts of the Greek Cypriot side are persistent and consistent, while pointing to initiatives undertaken, that demonstrate “our sincere political will for a solution.” This will, he noted, has placed the Cyprus problem at the center of the international community, in a period of regional and international challenges and developments.
He added that the appointment of a UN Secretary-General personal envoy, the appointment of an envoy on behalf of the EU, the conferences on Cyprus under UNSG aegis in Geneva last March and in New York just a few days ago and also the decision for a fresh meeting in September and a new multilateral conference before the end of the year, are practical and tangible actions that contribute to achieving the goal of resuming substantive negotiations.
He also said that UNSG has reaffirmed his commitment to the efforts for the resumption of talks during the recent meeting in New York. The Spokesperson also referred to the international community’s firm commitment to the agreed framework, as expressed during the New York multilateral conference by the Secretary-General, Greece, the UK and the leading EU institutions, the US and France – two of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council, adding that these demonstrate that Turkey’s positions are rejected and she is isolated as its stance is for a solution that is not within the agreed UN framework.
Letymbiotis said that the process is under the UN and that the EU has a role and can contribute decisively to UN efforts.
The Spokesperson also said that Cyprus’ occupation by Turkey remains a challenge for the entire international community which cannot stand tolerantly towards an occupying force for 51 years.
He also said that the international community should raise its voice for Cyprus the same way it does for Ukraine’s independence.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
A second informal meeting on Cyprus in broader format was held in New York, on July 16-17, 2025. Another meeting is anticipated later this year, to follow up on initiatives, agreed by the parties, which the UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres said they demonstrate a commitment to continuing a dialogue on the way forward. Guterres also announced that he would meet jointly with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week, in September.
The two sides in Cyprus continue discussions on outstanding issues, including the opening of crossing points and a solar energy installation in the buffer zone. They also agreed to cooperate on a number of issues, including the exchange of cultural artifacts, while Maria Angela Holgun, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, will continue her efforts.
The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to contribute to the settlement process, in close cooperation with Holgun.