Limassol: President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, announced on Wednesday evening his intention to attend a critical meeting in New York with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. He expressed confidence in his prepared arguments and the belief that his efforts could yield positive outcomes in addressing the Cyprus issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides, while speaking at an anti-occupation event organized by the Pancyprian Refugee Association in Limassol, emphasized the ongoing efforts despite challenges posed by the Turkish side. He noted that the meeting, scheduled for September 27, is a significant opportunity to present the Republic’s case with conviction.
The President acknowledged the negative stance of the Turkish Cypriot leader and Turkey but highlighted support from the UN Secretary-General, the international community, and the EU as encouraging signs. He mentioned the potential for a new informal expanded conference after the “electoral process” in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.
President Christodoulides attributed the renewed momentum in the Cyprus issue to persistent efforts and the UN Secretary-General’s acknowledgment of recent developments after a seven-year hiatus. He underscored the importance of these developments and their role in sustaining hope and continuing efforts with “assertive realism.”
He also addressed the ongoing issues stemming from Turkey’s military occupation of over one-third of Cyprus, violations of residents’ basic rights, illegal settlements, and demographic changes. The President reiterated that these actions remain unresolved 51 years later.
In support of the Pancyprian Refugee Association, President Christodoulides commended their partnership in addressing refugees’ challenges. He touched on the government’s strategic approach since assuming office, aiming to tackle long-standing issues, including compensation for refugees’ lost property use in occupied areas.
The Cyprus issue has remained unresolved since Turkey’s invasion in 1974, with numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks failing to produce results. The last significant negotiations in 2017 ended without resolution. A follow-up informal meeting in New York in July 2025 showed commitment to dialogue, with another meeting anticipated later this year.
Discussions between the two sides continue on various matters, including crossing points and a solar energy project in the buffer zone. They also agreed to cultural cooperation initiatives. The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holgun, and EU Special Envoy Johannes Hahn are actively participating in the settlement process.