President Nikos Christodoulides, said on Tuesday evening that visits to EU member states will be announced soon to discuss how to proceed with the aim of a more active EU involvement in breaking the deadlock to the Cyprus problem. Moreover he noted that “we consider that the situation at this juncture favours the resumption of talks. And the presence of the EU in breaking the deadlock, EU involvement, is something we deem which will be of decisive importance,” he underlined. In statements in Houlou village, in Pafos district, and asked if there is anything new as regards the appointment of an envoy by the UN on the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides noted that “we continue our efforts both towards the United Nations and the EU.” “I have repeatedly referred to the significance of a more active involvement on the part of the EU. Soon certain visits abroad will be announced mainly to discuss how we are going ahead with achieving this objective,” he noted, expressing hope that this effort will come to a conclusion and will bear fruit in view of the elections in Turkey. He further noted that towards this end visits will be paid to EU member states and will be soon announced. Asked if the messages he is taking from his contacts on this issue are encouraging, the President said that “it is positive that on the part of the EU they see this need, they see the readiness of our side.” “Of course this does not satisfy us. We will continue until the end with a view to creating a situation that will allow the resumption of talks. I have said many times, and I will not get tired of saying it, that we will do everything possible on our part,” he noted. President Christodoulides also said that “we consider that the situation at this juncture favours the resumption of talks. And the presence of the EU in breaking the deadlock, EU involvement is something which we deem will be of decisive importance.” Asked if there are any news from the UN as regards efforts on the Cyprus problem, the President said that “we are in contact with the UN.” “As you realise everyone expects for the elections in Turkey to take place,” he concluded. 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.
Source: Cyprus News Agency