Nicosia: President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, has called on Ankara to fulfill its Cyprus-related obligations within the framework of its EU aspirations. He responded to press inquiries regarding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statements that EU accession remains a strategic aim for Turkey, while noting that Cyprus EU Presidency plans to invite Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to the European Council and Gymnich in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized that if Erdogan’s statements are genuine, it necessitates specific developments in the Cyprus issue aligned with Turkey’s obligations. He also mentioned Cyprus’s preparedness for an upcoming meeting on December 11 with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, with the aim of resuming peace talks.
President Christodoulides highlighted the significance of the December meeting, expressing readiness to participate in an expanded conference by the year’s end to initiate substantive talks. He reiterated the national mission of the Cyprus EU Presidency, emphasizing preparations over the past two years to address international developments and challenges facing the EU.
The President noted the importance of strategic autonomy for the European Union and the intention to bring the EU closer to the region. He also mentioned planned trips by EU Commission and Council presidents to neighboring states during the Cyprus Presidency, signaling a new approach by the Commission.
President Christodoulides addressed upcoming challenges affecting citizens’ daily lives, announcing future plans to tackle housing issues. Cyprus remains divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have yet to yield fruitful outcomes, with the last negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana concluding without resolution.