President Nikos Christodoulides said he is in contact with European Union leaders attending the NATO Summit in Turkey regarding developments on the Cyprus issue, stressing that the government seeks meaningful progress as soon as possible.
No pressure from timelines
Speaking to reporters before the annual General Assembly of PASYXE in Nicosia, Christodoulides said he does not feel there is pressure from any timetable regarding the Cyprus talks.
He said the government’s objective is to achieve substantial developments towards resolving the Cyprus problem as soon as possible.
The President argued that the current momentum followed initiatives taken by the Republic of Cyprus and highlighted the latest report by the UN Secretary-General, particularly its reference to the European Union’s role.
He said he had advocated for greater EU involvement even before taking office and noted that this approach was now producing results.
Contact with EU leaders
Christodoulides said he remains in contact with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen while European leaders gather in Turkey for the NATO Summit.
He expressed hope that the discussions taking place there would lead to positive developments for the Cyprus talks.
Asked whether Wednesday’s dinner involving Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, European Council President António Costa and von der Leyen would clarify whether an informal expanded meeting on Cyprus would take place, Christodoulides said he could not predict the outcome.
However, he said he was confident that both EU leaders would convey the Republic of Cyprus’ position linking progress in EU-Turkey relations to positive developments on the Cyprus issue.
According to the President, future progress depends largely on Turkey’s position and the messages delivered by President Erdoğan.
He also revealed that he exchanged specific messages with von der Leyen on Monday and that they are scheduled to speak by telephone later on Tuesday.
Comments on the UN report
Asked about the UN report stating that three Greek Cypriots had fired at UN peacekeepers, Christodoulides criticised what he described as the UN’s longstanding practice of maintaining balance between the two sides.
He said the organisation often includes criticism of both sides regardless of the circumstances.
Despite his disagreement with that approach, the President said the key issue is the renewed momentum on Cyprus after many years, expressing hope that ongoing efforts would lead to meaningful progress.
Focus remains on negotiations
Responding to questions about confidence-building measures, Christodoulides said the current focus is not on such measures but on the substance of the Cyprus issue.
He noted that the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy had informed both leaders during her latest visit that the priority is to focus on the core issues with the aim of restarting formal negotiations.
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