Lefkara: President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides has called on the Turkish Cypriot side to engage in discussions encompassing all chapters of the Guterres framework, rather than selectively addressing issues. This appeal was made during an event in Lefkara, where the President presented the Republic of Cyprus's program for its upcoming European Union Council Presidency scheduled for the first half of 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized the unsustainable nature of the current status quo on the island, dismissing it as a viable solution. He urged for an immediate resumption of negotiations from the point where they were halted in Crans-Montana in 2017, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement grounded in United Nations Security Council resolutions. He expressed his commitment to facilitating the restart of these negotiations.
In response to inquiries about the rotating presidency, a significant element of political equality, President Christodoulides reiterated the necessity of addressing all six major chapters of the negotiations, which include security and guarantees, territory, and property. He firmly rejected the notion of selectively discussing individual chapters, advocating for a holistic approach to the Guterres Framework.
President Christodoulides reaffirmed his objective of achieving a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as outlined in the UN Security Council resolutions. He emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue without imposing preconditions on the Turkish Cypriot community or Turkey, while also resisting any impositions on the Greek Cypriot side.
Addressing the integration of Turkish Cypriots into the European Union framework, President Christodoulides expressed his support for the ad-hoc committee concerning the EU acquis. However, he linked the committee's activation to the broader resumption of negotiations. Additionally, he highlighted the involvement of Turkish Cypriot compatriots in the national efforts for the upcoming EU Presidency as a gesture of inclusivity.
Responding to concerns from the Turkish Cypriot community about the alleged "militarization policy" of the Republic of Cyprus, the President refuted these claims, stating that the only militarization present is the Turkish army's presence since 1974. He stressed that the Republic's agenda is oriented towards regional cooperation and not antagonism with Turkey, expressing a desire for future agreements with Turkey contingent on a resolution.
President Christodoulides reiterated his focus on resuming negotiations, expressing optimism about achieving a "win-win situation" if a "clear political will" is demonstrated by all parties, including Turkey. He also mentioned ongoing discussions for joint meetings with the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhrman, underscoring that the resumption of negotiations remains a top priority.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite multiple rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be reached, with the last negotiations in Crans-Montana in July 2017 ending without agreement.