Nicosia: The first meeting between the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto, is taking place this morning at the Presidential Palace. Fitto arrived in Cyprus late on Thursday and is also expected to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman later today.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President briefed members of the Council of Ministers yesterday at the start of the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace. He updated them on developments regarding the Cyprus issue following the recent visit of the UN Secretary-General. The President emphasized that the European Union's involvement in the process is now acknowledged by all parties, a goal pursued from the beginning.
He elaborated that the EU's role encompasses two aspects: one pertaining to the substance of a settlement, and the other concerning EU-Turkey relations and Turkey's aspirations. The European Commission's spokesperson for Cohesion, Maciej Berestecki, asserted the EU's commitment to the reunification of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, aligning with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the principles and legislation of the EU.
Regarding the EU's stance in future negotiations, the spokesperson affirmed the Commission's readiness to actively participate in the process with the available means and tools, and to attend all relevant meetings. He highlighted that Fitto would support the settlement process within the UN framework, in collaboration with the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Mara ngela Holgun, engaging with all relevant stakeholders to prepare for the resumption of negotiations aimed at a comprehensive and lasting solution for Cyprus.