Nicosia: A settlement of the Cyprus issue is crucial for resolving the illegality of usurpations in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, emphasized. The President highlighted that resolving the Cyprus problem through negotiations is essential to addressing the longstanding illegalities concerning Greek Cypriot properties.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides conveyed a non-threatening message to Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, and Turkey, inviting them to the negotiating table to resolve the Cyprus issue. He noted that these illegalities have persisted for over half a century and need urgent attention. The President made these remarks during a visit to the Filoxenia Conference Center in Nicosia, following comments by the Turkish Cypriot leader on the issue.
The President reiterated that the resolution of property usurpation in the occupied areas requires adherence to international law and decisions by the European Court of Human Rights. This, he asserted, is contingent upon a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
In a separate development, the President addressed an incident involving harassment of Greek Cypriot farmers in the buffer zone by occupation forces. He condemned the incident, emphasizing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyprus Police are prioritizing the safety of residents and farmers in the affected areas. The President assured that the United Nations has been informed and necessary measures are being taken.
Responding to concerns about actions contradicting previous agreements with Tufan Erhurman to avoid tension, President Christodoulides expressed his intent to discuss these provocations in upcoming talks. He criticized the actions by the Turkish army as unacceptable and reiterated the need for a conducive environment for resuming negotiations.
Cyprus remains divided since 1974, following a Turkish invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite various UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be achieved, with the most recent negotiations in 2017 ending without success.