Nicosia: President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides pledged on Tuesday that the Greek Cypriot side will do its utmost to ensure the UN Secretary-General’s efforts for a Cyprus settlement yield results. He highlighted the significance of renewed activity, as emphasized by the Secretary-General during the Geneva meeting for the Cyprus issue last March.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides made these remarks while welcoming the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, who was on an official visit to Nicosia. Kaklamanis noted that the Cyprus issue remains one of the few matters on which there is consensus in the Hellenic Parliament.
President Christodoulides also emphasized the importance of the upcoming “electoral” process in the Turkish Cypriot community in mid-October. When asked by Kaklamanis about the possibility of change, he replied, “we will see what the outcome will be,” acknowledging that Turkey ultimately makes the final decisions on critical issues concerning the Turkish Cypriot community.
Kaklamanis expressed cautious optimism, hoping for successful efforts towards a resolution. President Christodoulides, addressing the media, acknowledged Kaklamanis’ presence in Cyprus to attend the upcoming Cyprus Independence parade, describing it as an important national anniversary.
The President highlighted the Hellenic Parliament’s pivotal role in Cyprus’s diplomatic history, particularly its accession to the European Union in 2004. He also noted that Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time in less than 100 days, branding it as a national challenge.
In discussions with Kaklamanis, President Christodoulides stressed Cyprus and Greece’s role as pillars of stability in the region, advocating for cooperation to tackle common challenges. He lauded Kaklamanis’s political career and shared views on various issues.
Kaklamanis, in turn, acknowledged the longstanding consensus within the Greek Parliament on the Cyprus issue, despite occasional verbal differences. He shared his historical involvement with Cyprus, dating back to his tenure as a Member of the European Parliament, and expressed a restrained optimism regarding current developments.
Reflecting on past experiences, Kaklamanis noted the enduring challenges in Cyprus-Turkey relations, drawing parallels to statements made by Turkish leaders over the years. He remains moderately optimistic about ongoing discussions for a Cyprus solution.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern region. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, negotiations have yet to succeed due to persistent Turkish intransigence. The latest discussions in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without resolution.
Recently, the UN Secretary-General met with President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in New York. A subsequent meeting is tentatively scheduled for November, with his personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, expected to visit Cyprus in the coming weeks to prepare for the new round of talks.