Nicosia: The EU is ready to contribute positively to a settlement of the Cyprus problem, including through strengthening European Union-Turkey relations, President of the European Council Antonio Costa said on Friday during a joint press conference with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Costa emphasized the importance of a reunified Cyprus for a united Europe and expressed support for UN-led efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue through dialogue. He highlighted the EU's readiness to assist by enhancing its bilateral relations with Turkey. President Christodoulides echoed Costa's sentiments, asserting that the EU could play 'the most decisive role' in resolving the Cyprus problem, as it possesses the necessary tools for this purpose. He also advocated for the resumption of talks and urged the UN Secretary-General to convene a broader conference to advance negotiations.
The discussions between the two leaders also touched on Cyprus' aspiration for full accession to the Schengen area. They addressed various topics, including the EU's new Multiannual Financial Framework, the situation in Ukraine, enlargement, competitiveness, defence and security, and migration. The Middle East was also a focal point, with President Christodoulides underscoring Cyprus' commitment to bolstering EU relations with the region, while Costa expressed gratitude for Cyprus' contributions.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive, primarily due to Turkish intransigence. The last round of negotiations, held in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended without success.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, approaching the end of his term, has announced plans to convene another meeting in a broader format, pending adequate preparation, though no timeline was provided. Guterres has secured consensus from both sides and the guarantor powers. Mara Angela Holguin, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked with engaging the parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.