Ayia napa: President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed optimism on Sunday about the Greek Cypriot side's political will being translated into a concrete initiative that will yield results in the effort to resume talks on the Cyprus issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides made these remarks after participating in the 'Run for Autism' charity race in Ayia Napa. When asked if there had been a response from the Turkish Cypriot side regarding a meeting between the two leaders, he expressed his belief that there would be a positive response, adding that 'there is no reason why the Turkish Cypriot leader would not agree to a meeting.'
Addressing the 'marathon' of the Cyprus issue, President Christodoulides emphasized that reaching the finish line is important. He stated, 'I am optimistic based on what I have heard from the UN Secretary-General, and I hope there will be a corresponding response from all other sides. Thus, this clear political will, backed by a plan, will translate into a concrete initiative that will yield results.'
In response to a question about the installation of antennas by British bases in Akrotiri and whether the Government is aware of the British plans, the President mentioned that this issue, among others, is part of the topics to be discussed. The Cypriot side has identified it as a topic for a comprehensive discussion with the British.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively.