Nicosia: It is our and highest priority to work for the liberation and reunification of our homeland, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Saturday during the 45th anti-occupation event of the people of Morphou, adding that ‘for us, there can be no solution without the return of Morphou.’
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President emphasized that the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem extend beyond slogans and wishful thinking. Specific initiatives were initiated immediately after he took office. In the past two and a half years, methodical steps have been taken with dedication, founded on the conviction that a solution to the Cyprus problem is achievable 51 years later.
The President’s optimism is rooted in several developments, including the UN Secretary-General’s decision to appoint a personal envoy, the two multilateral meetings on Cyprus within a year, a recent trilateral meeting in New York, and the commitment to convene a new multilateral meeting after the election of a Turkish Cypriot leader.
These were not a given in 2023, he noted, stressing the obstacles and difficulties faced. He assured that every opportunity for negotiation would be maximized to resume talks aimed at finding a sustainable solution within the agreed framework that respects the principles of the European Union.
The President highlighted the support from the European Union at various levels, noting the mobilization of the EU and the reactivation of international interest. He mentioned maintaining open channels with the UN and pursuing direct communication with Turkey, which have shown some results.
Although acknowledging the challenges, he expressed belief that the efforts could lead to resuming negotiations. He stated readiness to meet with any Turkish Cypriot leader to negotiate and strive to eliminate the division of the homeland.
The President reiterated his ambition for the withdrawal of the occupying army and transforming Cyprus into a bi-zonal, bi-communal state with a single sovereignty, citizenship, and international personality that ensures the fundamental rights of all legal residents.
He also referred to Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 as a significant milestone. He expressed confidence in successfully undertaking this national mission, especially for a small EU member state.
The Presidency presents an opportunity to showcase Cyprus’ active role in addressing regional challenges. Furthermore, it will allow visitors to witness the division and reinforce the commitment to reunification, he concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Numerous UN-led peace talks have failed to produce results, with the last round of negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ending inconclusively.