President Nikos Christodoulides on Saturday said he was waiting for the conclusion of the electoral process in Turkey, for the next steps in the Cyprus issue, noting that contacts continue at a technocratic level with the European Commission, but also with some member states. In his statements, on the sidelines of a scientific conference organised by the Cyprus Federation of Patient Associations he attended, President Christodoulides asked if developments were expected after the elections in Turkey and Greece, he noted that the time limit raised during discussions was the electoral process in Turkey. 'So, let's wait and see what the results will be and the next steps', he added. The President said that contacts have already been held and are continuing at a technocratic level with the European Commission, but also with some member states, noting that the Government is in contact in particular, with France but also Germany, which he will visit. Asked if he believes Turkey's attitude towards Cyprus could change in the event of the election of the opposition leader, President Christodoulides said that 'we should not speculate', and that we should wait for the results and who will win the elections, their positions, and in particular, on the issue of the prospective strengthening of EU relations with Turkey. Regarding Turkey's more general approach to the Cyprus problem, he said he did not expect any substantial change in case the opposition leader wins. He said that, what interests him and, based on the Government's analyses, but also assessments by third parties, was in relation to the prospect of strengthening EU relations with Turkey, 'because that is what we believe can unlock the prospect for the resumption of talks'. On the issue of US and British sanctions on individuals and companies in Cyprus, in response to a journalist's remark on information about how to proceed with the companies whose accounts have been frozen due to the sanctions, President Christodoulides said that two issues arise. The one, he said, concerns requests to the Registrar of Companies to change some of the data of individuals registered there, and the second concerns the payroll of all those who work for those affected by the sanctions. He said he has seen the opinion of the Law Office on these issues, with a particular emphasis on the payroll, adding that he expects it to be resolved within the coming week. The President said they have already taken action, while he has spoken with the Attorney General, and the Central Bank Governor and they have also spoken with foreign Governments and that he expects that there will be developments soon. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency