Sharm el-sheikh: President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, confirmed that he discussed the Cyprus issue with US President Donald Trump during a brief meeting at the Gaza Peace Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday. The summit, which focused on peace efforts in Gaza, saw participation from various international leaders.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides, responding to journalists’ queries on Tuesday, emphasized that the Cyprus problem was the sole topic of discussion with President Trump. The President was in Nicosia attending the Conference of the Academy of the Law Office when he addressed the media. He highlighted that despite some opposition to Cyprus’s presence at the summit, the nation received invitations from both the US and Egyptian Presidents. President Christodoulides underscored the importance of Cyprus’s involvement, drawing parallels to the ‘Amalthea’ initiative presented in Paris in October 2023, aimed at establishing a humanitarian aid sea corridor from Cyprus to Gaza.
At the summit, Cyprus introduced a detailed plan featuring six initiatives focused on security, reconstruction, and humanitarian aid, aligning with President Trump’s 20-point plan. President Christodoulides noted that these proposals have been under discussion through recent communications with the President of the European Commission. The plan is being circulated among the European Commission, EU Member States, the US, and other stakeholders, marking the initial phase of implementing the Trump plan and transitioning to the subsequent phase.
President Christodoulides emphasized Cyprus’s strategic position and its commitment to facilitating the agreed initiatives, highlighting its role as an EU member state in the region and its strong relations with neighboring countries.
In another development, President Christodoulides commented on the legal proceedings involving Simon Aykut, who pleaded guilty to 40 charges related to the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus. While maintaining that he does not interfere with judicial matters, the President stated that this admission validates the Government’s long-standing policy on the issue.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be achieved, with the last significant negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ending without an agreement.