Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas, during his official visit to Cyprus, emphasised that the framework for resuming negotiations on the Cyprus issue is determined by the United Nations, not by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Tasoulas highlighted that the UN’s framework is explicitly supported by the European Union, which actively participates in the process. He underscored that this framework is based on addressing the international issue of illegal invasion and occupation, viewing it as a European problem that concerns the entire EU.
Tasoulas expressed cautious optimism about the continuation of the dialogue, noting the appointment of UN envoy María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar and the recent decisions of the UN Security Council, which included Greece’s participation as a non-permanent member. He stressed that the description of the problem and the search for a solution are aligned with the UN’s perspective, contrasting with the narrative presented by Erdoğan during his visit to the occupied territories.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed the commitment to the agreed framework for resolving the Cyprus issue, based on UN resolutions and EU principles. He emphasised the importance of not idealising the current situation, acknowledging the challenges and difficulties, but also recognising the obligation to do everything possible to reunify the country. Christodoulides highlighted the role of Cyprus and Greece in initiating the five-party conference and the appointment of the UN envoy, as well as the joint letter from the President of the European Commission and the Council, which set the framework for the solution.
The two presidents discussed various topics, including the developments in the Cyprus issue, bilateral cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, EU defence, the situation in Ukraine, and managing challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean. They also addressed regional and international issues, such as the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and continued support for Ukraine. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of strengthening EU strategic autonomy and promoting plans for a common European defence that considers the security interests of all member states.
Tasoulas noted that Greece and Cyprus, as equal members of the EU and reliable partners, are pillars of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. He emphasised the importance of maintaining communication channels between Greece and Turkey, which could potentially contribute to creating conditions for restarting the dialogue on the Cyprus issue, provided that the other side avoids actions that establish faits accomplis.
Christodoulides pointed out that the broader Middle East is the EU’s neighbourhood and that many of the challenges discussed at the European level originate from this region. He stressed the need for the EU to play a more active role in the area, engaging constructively with neighbouring countries to address common challenges.
In conclusion, both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to working towards a viable and definitive solution to the Cyprus issue, always within the framework of UN decisions and resolutions and the principles and values of the EU. They expressed their determination to do everything possible to reunify the country and ensure a secure future for all its citizens.
Also read: MEPs condemn Erdogan’s illegal visit to Turkish-occupied Cyprus
