Nicosia sees room for progress on Cyprus issue
Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said there is scope for progress on the Cyprus issue, while cautioning against complacency or excessive optimism.
Speaking on the television programme Protoselido, Antoniou said Nicosia’s optimism is largely based on the willingness of the United Nations Secretary-General to use the remaining period of his term to pursue meaningful developments. His comments came ahead of the expected visit of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin.
He stressed that the Republic of Cyprus remains realistic, noting that there has been no substantial shift in the positions of the Turkish side. However, he argued that Turkey’s efforts to upgrade its relations with the European Union create a diplomatic framework that could be used to advance negotiations.
“There can be no progress in EU-Turkey relations without the consent of the Republic of Cyprus,” Antoniou said, explaining that Nicosia seeks parallel progress in both EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus issue.
No acceptance of troops in future settlement
Antoniou underlined that the Republic of Cyprus has strong diplomatic and legal backing through European Council conclusions that refer to Turkey’s obligations.
At the same time, he made clear that any settlement allowing the continued presence of Turkish troops would be unacceptable.
“A solution to the Cyprus issue in 2026 cannot include the presence of occupation troops,” he said, adding that European partners understand that an EU member state cannot operate under guarantees and arrangements rooted in the Cold War era.
He reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side’s objective is the convening of a new informal expanded meeting that could pave the way for the resumption of substantive negotiations.
Annita-Fidias cooperation draws criticism
Asked to comment on the election of DISY President Annita Demetriou to the Presidency of the House of Representatives, Antoniou said the government fully respects the outcome of the democratic process.
Referring to the Annita-Fidias cooperation that emerged during the parliamentary vote, he argued that all political partnerships should be grounded in realism and accompanied by implementable and costed proposals.
He cited proposals for the construction of 10,000 affordable homes and increases to the minimum pension as examples, stressing that such commitments should be financially justified before being presented to the public.
“Such announcements should not be made lightly because, in the end, they create disappointment in society,” he said, adding that in his view there had been “a degree of frivolity surrounding this issue”.
Antoniou said political proposals linked to the Annita-Fidias cooperation should be backed by clear financial planning and realistic implementation timelines.
Kazakhstan ties gain momentum
The Deputy Government Spokesperson also referred to President Nikos Christodoulides’ recent visit to Kazakhstan, arguing that Central Asia is becoming increasingly important for Cypriot foreign policy.
He noted that Cyprus has significantly strengthened relations with countries in the region in recent years. Antoniou highlighted the opening of a Cypriot embassy in Astana and the launch of the first direct air connection between Cyprus and Kazakhstan as particularly important developments.
He also pointed to opportunities in investment, trade and tourism, while describing as highly significant the decision by Kazakhstan’s President to award Christodoulides the country’s highest state honour.
No comment on possible reshuffle
When asked about the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, Antoniou declined to speculate, saying the matter rests solely with the President of the Republic.
“It is not something I can answer. I think we should wait for the President himself,” he said.
Flight carrying ministers reportedly harassed
Antoniou also confirmed that the aircraft carrying Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and the French Defence Minister experienced interference upon arriving in Cyprus.
According to him, the interference originated from electronic systems operating from Tymbou Airport and is a practice that occurs periodically and is considered particularly dangerous.
Based on information provided by the Greek minister, a Turkish fighter jet was also detected at a considerable distance during the landing, although no further interference was recorded. Antoniou said the issue is expected to be raised by Dendias during the informal meeting of EU defence ministers taking place in Nicosia.
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