Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday he was cautiously optimistic ahead of a meeting in New York, with the UN Secretary General and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, expressing his expectation that the meeting will be the first important step towards a substantial restart for the currently stalled talks for a Cyprus settlement.
The tripartite meeting between President Christodoulides, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to take place on October 15th.
Speaking at a conference on the Cyprus problem, organized by the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) in Nicosia, President Christodoulides noted that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved for half a century following the Turkish occupation that started in 1974.
‘The title of this conference aptly captures the anxiety we all feel about the lack of a solution to the Cyprus problem, half a century after the Turkish occupation, as well as about the fait accompli created by the passa
ge of time,’ stated the President.
He warned against the dangers of the status quo, highlighting the need to move beyond the current stalemate and work towards a lasting solution within the agreed framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as outlined in relevant UN resolutions.
President Christodoulides stressed the importance of leveraging the existing negotiating acquis, including the framework proposed by the UN Secretary-General, and adhering to the principles and values of the European Union. He reiterated his commitment to this approach, stating that he has pursued it “not just with words, but with concrete actions and initiatives” since taking office.
Acknowledging the limitations of relying solely on international law, President Christodoulides emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach to negotiations. He rejected Turkish Cypriot proposals for a two-state solution, calling them “inconceivable.”
The President shared his observations from a recent working lunch with t
he Permanent Representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, noting their shared understanding that the agreed framework remains the only viable path to a solution. He highlighted the international community’s recognition of the Greek Cypriot side’s constructive approach and their focus on encouraging Turkey to return to the negotiating table.
Despite Tatar’s previous rejections of proposals for trilateral or multilateral meetings, President Christodoulides said that the Turkish Cypriot leader seems to have finally accepted a tripartite meeting, a working dinner, as he said, with the UN Secretary-General in New York.
“I am cautiously optimistic, and I am going to New York on October 15th with the expectation that this meeting will be the first important step for a substantial resumption of talks,” he said.
While acknowledging the uncertainties surrounding Tatar’s position, President Christodoulides assured the audience that the Greek Cypriot side would approach the meeting with co
nfidence and sincerity, reiterating their readiness to engage in dialogue within the agreed framework.
Noting that 2024 is a year marking both the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union, President Christodoulides called for unity and understanding on the island. He emphasized the need to learn from the past and seize the opportunities presented by EU membership, highlighting the bloc’s potential to provide both incentives and safeguards for all Cypriots.
“The challenges we have to manage together require above all unity on the home front, not as a slogan, but in practice,” he concluded, thanking AKEL for organizing the conference and emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing the Cyprus issue.
Source: Cyprus News Agency