NICOSIA: We will do everything possible to create the conditions for the resumption of the Cyprus talks, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday. The President, who was speaking to journalists before addressing the Political and Ideological Conference of Socialist Party EDEK in Nicosia, emphasized the decisive role of the Greek Cypriot side in initiating the restart of the talks.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President responded to inquiries regarding statements made by the leader of the left-wing AKEL party about increasing activity concerning the Cyprus problem. He confirmed the presence of mobility and attributed it to their actions at both the international level and within the EU. He stressed that they will make every effort to create the conditions needed for the resumption of discussions.
The President noted that both domestic and international entities recognize the Greek Cypriot side’s significant role in resuming the talks. When asked about Turkey’s potential change
in stance on the Cyprus issue due to its revised approach to the Kurdish issue, he remarked that final decisions would be made at the negotiating table, indicating that current analyses and statements do not yield conclusive predictions.
President Christodoulides was also questioned on his optimism in light of comments from Turkish officials and the Turkish Cypriot leader about a “solution based on the realities on the island.” He stated that they also seek a solution based on realities, highlighting the ongoing illegal invasion and occupation of the island. He underscored that Cyprus remains a member of the EU, a status that will persist even after a potential resolution to the Cyprus issue.
Regarding an event organized by the Municipality of Famagusta with the illegal municipality of Turkish-occupied Famagusta, the President expressed that events aiming at reunification and the end of the illegal occupation should proceed. He acknowledged not being fully aware of the event’s details but supported joint ev
ents by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots that condemn the illegal Turkish invasion.
Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has been divided by Turkish troops following the invasion in the summer of 1974. Numerous UN-led peace talks have not yet produced a resolution, with the most recent in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ending inconclusively.