Nicosia:The Republic of Cyprus was the only internationally recognised state on the island present at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), as stated by Victoras Papadopoulos, Director of the President's Press Office. Papadopoulos highlighted this point in response to a question from the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) regarding the actions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who left the summit venue as Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides arrived.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Papadopoulos described Erdogan's departure as a "diplomatic discourtesy" but emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus remained the sole internationally recognised representative at the conference. He noted that President Christodoulides represented Cyprus, addressed the summit, and participated in the official family photograph, underscoring the island's recognition status.
Further discussions at the summit involved United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who informed President Christodoulides about a potential trilateral meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader. The meeting aims to further negotiations on the Cyprus issue, with Guterres planning to propose dates after his return from the Philippines.
Papadopoulos also mentioned an upcoming proposal from EU Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto, regarding the EU-Turkey Customs Union. This proposal will be discussed during Fitto's visit to Turkey and is contingent on the resumption of Cyprus negotiations. President Christodoulides and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed these topics, alongside Cyprus' potential accession to the Schengen area.
Papadopoulos reiterated that linking EU-Turkey relations with the Cyprus problem remains a priority for both Cyprus and the EU. This approach aligns with the April 2024 Conclusions that tie progress in EU-Turkey relations to advancements in solving the Cyprus issue. Von der Leyen confirmed that Guterres aims to resume negotiations within his current term, as conveyed to President Christodoulides.
The division of Cyprus dates back to 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be achieved. Guterres plans to convene a broader meeting, with María Angela Holguín engaging the parties and Raffaele Fitto acting as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.
Source Cyprus News Agency