Nicosia: 'We have chosen the path of the solution and we are determined to see it through to the very end', Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated on Friday following a meeting of the National Council, expressing hope that 'a corresponding genuine political will' would also be shown by the other side.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis emphasized the importance of the upcoming visit by the United Nations Secretary-General, marking the first visit by a UN Secretary-General in 16 years. The meeting of the National Council, which lasted approximately two and a half hours, focused on briefing the members about the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and ongoing diplomatic consultations.
Letymbiotis highlighted the significance of the UN Secretary-General's visit, which involves efforts to convene an expanded meeting that could resume substantive negotiations, suspended since 2017 in Crans-Montana. He noted the personal investment of the UN Secretary-General in this initiative, which aligns with the efforts initiated since March.
The Government Spokesperson mentioned the active involvement of the European Union in this process, particularly through the appointment of Mr. Fitto as the Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Turkey's longstanding intransigence but emphasized the Greek Cypriot side's clear positions and consistent initiatives in support of the UN's efforts.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts include a series of meetings by the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, as well as meetings involving his Personal Envoy, who recently met with the Turkish Foreign Minister in Ankara. The aim is to resume negotiations for a comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.
The Spokesperson reiterated the unchanged objective of resuming negotiations and achieving a settlement compatible with the principles of the European Union. He urged the other side to abandon intransigent positions and support the UN Secretary-General's mandate, derived from UN Security Council resolutions.
During the National Council meeting, political leaders expressed dissatisfaction over the exclusion of political parties and refugee organizations from the civil society meetings with the UN Secretary-General. Despite this, the Greek Cypriot side remains focused on the upcoming visit's significance and potential to advance discussions.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Repeated UN-led peace talks have been unsuccessful due to Turkish intransigence, with the last round of negotiations ending inconclusively in 2017. As the term of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end, efforts are underway to hold a new meeting in a broader format, with Mara Angela Holgun engaging with the parties and Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acting as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.