Nicosia: The statement made by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres leaves no room for any other interpretations, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Wednesday evening, addressing the Central Councils of Overseas Cypriot Organisations whom he briefed on the Cyprus problem.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President informed delegates about the developments in the Cyprus issue during a meeting at the Presidential Palace that was held behind closed doors. Welcoming the delegation, President Christodoulides expressed his fondness for the group due to the close relations he has developed with expatriates in the US, Britain, and Greece from his previous roles as Government Spokesman and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized the critical juncture at which they find themselves concerning Cyprus.
The President outlined seven key issues on his agenda that he intended to discuss with the delegates, followed by a thorough discussion. He noted his absence from a previous conference, attributing it to important meetings he had to attend over the past two days. He also highlighted the significance of the UN Secretary General's statement, stressing that it should not be misinterpreted.
The meeting proceeded with a briefing and discussion sans media presence. Cyprus remains divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Efforts led by the UN for peace talks have repeatedly stalled, primarily due to Turkish resistance. The most recent negotiations, in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without resolution.
After informal meetings in 2025 and a subsequent hiatus, preparations are underway for a new, broader meeting as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres approaches the end of his term. Mara Angela Holgun, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is actively engaging with the involved parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto has taken over as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding Johannes Hahn.