Christodoulides says Cyprus ready for enlarged talks, pending Turkey’s response

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday that Cyprus is ready to attend an enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem as soon as this summer, but that its convening depends on Turkey’s response.

Speaking at the Makedonitissa tomb in western Nicosia during an event marking the anniversary of Turkey’s invasion, Christodoulides said the government had conveyed its readiness to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

United Nations efforts

Christodoulides said relevant processes were continuing through Guterres, his envoy Maria Angela Holguin and the European Union, which he said was taking a more leading role.

He said he hoped for positive announcements when Guterres visits Cyprus, adding that the secretary-general had launched an important effort since March following discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish government.

Asked whether pressure on Turkey had increased, Christodoulides said it was not a matter of pressure. He said Holguin would visit Turkey before returning to Cyprus and that the outcome of those efforts would determine what emerges from Guterres’ presence.

European Union involvement

On the possibility of EU envoy Raffaele Fitto visiting Cyprus, Christodoulides said he did not rule out a visit at any time, depending on Fitto’s schedule.

He welcomed the EU’s increased involvement, saying it had been sought since his government took office. He said the appointment of an executive vice president of the European Commission reflected increased interest from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Christodoulides said the EU’s role was decisive in two areas: developments in relations between Turkey and Europe, which he said should depend on positive and specific progress toward resolving the Cyprus problem, and ensuring that any settlement complies with the European acquis communautaire and EU principles and values.