Nicosia: The position of the Greek Cypriot side regarding the continuation and evolution of the Republic of Cyprus is recognised, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stated on Sunday. In his address following the memorial service for the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, at the Monastery of Kykkos, he emphasized the enduring legacy of Makarios, particularly in relation to the Republic of Cyprus and its international status.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides highlighted the clear consensus achieved through recent public statements by the UN Secretary-General and discussions with the Turkish Cypriot leader. These engagements have reinforced the commitment to the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus, eliminating any considerations of a two-state solution or alternative approaches. He noted the significance of this clarity, especially given previous uncertainties influenced by Turkey's stance on the matter.
The President mentioned the intensified efforts following the departure of the UN Secretary-General, underscoring ongoing technocratic-level communications with the UN and the EU. These efforts are in preparation for an expanded conference aimed at advancing the peace process for Cyprus.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Multiple rounds of UN-led peace negotiations have not yet resolved the situation, largely due to what is described as Turkish intransigence. The most recent negotiations, held in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without a resolution.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has indicated plans to convene another broad-format meeting, pending adequate preparation, though no specific timeline has been provided. Both sides and the guarantor powers have agreed to participate. Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Mara Angela Holgun, is expected to engage with the involved parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.