Christodoulides rejects election and EU presidency as obstacles to Cyprus talks

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said arguments that a broadened conference on the Cyprus problem cannot take place because of parliamentary elections or Cyprus’ EU Council presidency are “ridiculous.” He said the Greek Cypriot side is ready to participate as early as next week.

Readiness for expanded meeting

Speaking to reporters after attending celebrations for Saint Maron in Nicosia, Christodoulides said he and the Greek Cypriot side are ready to take part “as early as next week” in an expanded meeting, as agreed with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York.

He said he is ready next week to go to New York and announce the resumption of negotiations from where they left off in Crans-Montana, with full respect for the negotiating acquis. He urged moving beyond statements and demonstrating readiness in practice.

Elections and EU presidency

Christodoulides said neither Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the EU nor the parliamentary elections affect the government’s readiness to return to the negotiating table. He described the elections argument as absurd and said they do not affect either the outcome or the process.

He said that if some parties are unable to attend talks at this time, they should state so publicly, adding that the Greek Cypriot side is ready.

UN conference reports

His comments came amid reports that the United Nations considers it difficult to convene a conference under current circumstances. Christodoulides said he had not read the relevant article but reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to proceed immediately, wherever the UN secretary-general chooses.

Crossing points and Ayios Dhometios

Asked about statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on crossing points, particularly Ayios Dhometios, Christodoulides said the Republic has long been ready to proceed with widening the road, adding that delays occurred within the buffer zone.

What do you think is the main obstacle to convening an expanded conference on the Cyprus problem under the current circumstances?