Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said developments in the Cyprus problem could lead to a concrete settlement plan before the end of 2026, citing a new United Nations initiative already under way. He said the coming months could prove decisive for negotiations.
UN initiative and diplomatic contacts
In an interview with Alpha TV, Christodoulides described an intensified diplomatic effort taking place behind closed doors. He said the UN secretary-general had undertaken a new initiative that could lead to “something very specific” and require decisions.
Christodoulides said the process could eventually produce a settlement framework before the conclusion of Antonio Guterres’ term later this year, adding that the developments may lead to a solution plan.
Link to Ankara meeting
Christodoulides linked the renewed movement to the recent meeting between Guterres and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, saying it marked a turning point in efforts to revive negotiations after years of impasse. He said the UN initiative began after the secretary-general’s talks with Erdogan.
He said the key lies with Turkey, while avoiding a direct assessment of Ankara’s position. He added that contacts were continuing away from public scrutiny and said he had not met with Erdogan, but confirmed meetings were under way out of the spotlight on the basis of the UN initiative.
What decisions do you think Cyprus will face if a specific settlement framework is presented?
