Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis described the meeting of the President of the Republic with UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Maria Angela Holguín and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman as useful, speaking on Sigma’s “Protoselido” programme.
Productive meeting with UN envoy
Letymbiotis said that no meeting between the leaders of the two sides – especially with the UN envoy present – can be unproductive. However, he stressed that the government did not expect an immediate resumption of negotiations. The Greek Cypriot side aimed to take a decisive step toward restarting dialogue, but that step did not materialise.
Comprehensive proposal for dialogue
He added that the President presented a comprehensive plan for restarting negotiations, which remains Nicosia’s main priority. The government’s approach follows a linear but dynamic process, including convening an expanded conference, strengthening trust-building measures, and keeping the agreed framework at the core of the process.
No public confrontation, yes to calm dialogue
Letybiotis emphasised that the government will avoid public confrontations. He said progress on the Cyprus issue comes from calm, responsible statements that create a positive climate, not from public declarations.
He also reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side stands firm on its principles and values. What now matters is for the other side to clearly state its position and accept the “self-evident” points that remain unaddressed.
Basis for solution and trust-building measures
Letybiotis stressed the need to reaffirm a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as supported by the international community, UN Security Council resolutions, and the European Union.
He recalled that the Greek Cypriot side has submitted multiple trust-building proposals, including simultaneous opening of checkpoints and a pedestrian crossing on Ledra Street in old Nicosia – a symbolic yet practical step that the other side rejected.
Urgent call for expanded conference
Letybiotis repeated that the government wants to convene an expanded conference as soon as possible. He noted that the UN Secretary-General had also called for one before the end of 2025.
He added that previous expanded meetings, while not achieving the desired outcome, offered value by bringing guarantor powers, both communities, and the UN together at the same table, revealing the real political will of the parties involved.
Trust-building measures cannot replace negotiations
Letybiotis stressed that trust-building measures cannot replace substantive negotiations. He also rejected using Turkey’s occupation policies as an excuse for political stagnation.
He highlighted the leading role of the United Nations and the European Union, which played a decisive role in previous negotiation processes.
Critique of UN “equal distance” policy
Letybiotis criticised the UN’s “equal distance” approach, which increasingly equates the Republic of Cyprus with the occupying power of Turkey. He pointed out that serious Turkish violations cannot match isolated incidents in the buffer zone.
Despite this critique, he acknowledged the UN Peacekeeping Force’s crucial role in maintaining stability.
Public discussion and complaints
Answering questions about allegations by Annie Alexoui, Letybiotis noted that today’s information often coexists with misinformation. He said the police must investigate any claims presented and conduct official inquiries where necessary.
He concluded that restoring public trust requires consistency, transparency, and action. The slogan “everything in the light” gains real value only when authorities implement it in practice.
Also read: Erhürman: No news from Christodoulides, progress lacking
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