Nicosia: The important symbolism of the unwavering and long-lasting relationship between Greece and Cyprus, which is implied with his first official visit as President of the Hellenic Republic to Cyprus, was underlined by Konstantinos Tasoulas during his meeting on Thursday with House President Annita Demetriou. Tasoulas addressed the House Plenary in the presence of President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a press release by the Parliament stated that Demetriou congratulated Tasoulas on his election to the highest office of the Hellenic Republic, expressing the certainty that his experience is a guarantee for the successful fulfillment of the difficult task that he is called upon to perform. She emphasized that Greece is the strongest support of Cyprus and is always by Cyprus’ side, strengthening efforts to face various challenges.
The President of the Hellenic Republic expressed his gratification over the further enhancement of bilateral ties in various areas. He made special reference to the impeccable and uninterrupted cooperation he had as President of the Hellenic Parliament with the House of Representatives and the President of the parliament herself.
Tasoulas also stressed that Greece continues to be a firm supporter of the struggle of the Cypriot people to terminate the faits accomplis of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation. He expressed optimism for the new UN effort to resume peace talks to resolve the Cyprus problem, following years of impasse.
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.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres announced an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format will be held at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva on March 17-18. The two sides agreed to proceed with a number of initiatives, involving the opening of crossing points, the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth, and other initiatives in the buffer zone and throughout the island.
The UN Secretary-General announced in early May the appointment of Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, who is tasked to reengage with the parties in order to work on next steps on the Cyprus issue and advise him. Holgun completed a previous assignment as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.