Nicosia: The common approach of Cyprus and Greece on the need to continue efforts to restart the negotiation process from the point at which it was interrupted, with the aim of achieving a sustainable and functional solution, with full respect for international law and the European acquis, was confirmed by the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in a telephone conversation he had on Monday afternoon with the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This is part of the ongoing coordination between Nicosia and Athens for the resumption of substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue from the point where they were interrupted in Crans-Montana, as well as for the maintenance of regional stability.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during the communication, views were exchanged and data was evaluated in view of the upcoming meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and the President of Turkey in Ankara.
As stated, the latest developments in the Cyprus issue were discussed in particular, the efforts being made to resume substantive negotiations within the agreed framework of the United Nations, as well as maintaining a firm and unwavering commitment to international law, the principles, values, and EU law, and to the relevant decisions and resolutions of the Security Council.
It is added that the common approach of Cyprus and Greece was confirmed with regard to the need to continue efforts to restart the negotiation process from the point at which it was interrupted, with the aim of achieving a sustainable and functional solution, with full respect for international law and the European acquis.
The President of the Republic and the Greek Prime Minister agreed to continue close cooperation and regular coordination at all levels, so that every diplomatic contact and initiative strengthens the overall effort to achieve progress on the Cyprus issue, concluded the Government Spokesperson.
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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively.