Nicosia: Preparatory work on the Cyprus issue will continue throughout August, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Thursday, noting that, for the first time in many years, there is significant momentum in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. He also announced a meeting with the EU's Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto, scheduled for Friday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides addressed members of the Council of Ministers at the start of the Cabinet meeting held at the Presidential Palace. He emphasized that the current period marks intense activity on the Cyprus issue, underscored by the recent visit of the UN Secretary-General to Cyprus. The President described this visit as a result of systematic efforts initiated in March 2023.
President Christodoulides highlighted the UN Secretary-General's intention to convene a broader format meeting, with the agreement of all parties involved, aiming for tangible results. He noted the significance of the Secretary-General's public acknowledgment of convergences and the negotiating acquis, which clarified many uncertainties regarding the nature of a settlement.
He further explained the European Union's recognized role in the process, focusing on both the substance of a settlement and EU-Turkey relations. President Christodoulides confirmed EU Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto's scheduled meeting with both him and the Turkish Cypriot leader to discuss the way forward.
The President reiterated the commitment to continue preparatory work throughout August, emphasizing the framework established to guide the process. He expressed optimism about convening a broader format meeting to announce the resumption of negotiations, contingent on the Secretary-General's assessment of appropriate conditions.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have not yielded results. The most recent negotiations in 2017 in Crans-Montana ended without resolution. With informal meetings in 2025 and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nearing the end of his term, efforts are underway for a new meeting. Mara Angela Holgun, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, and Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, as the European Commission's Special Representative, are actively engaging with the parties involved.