Christodoulides says Cyprus talks are not at a deadlock despite challenges

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday that efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem were not at a deadlock, despite difficulties in restarting negotiations. Speaking on arrival at the Cyprus Forum, he said work toward reunification was continuing.

Response to UN envoy’s warning

Christodoulides was asked about comments by Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, that the favourable opportunity to address the Cyprus problem was gradually being lost.

“We do not overlook any of the difficulties and challenges in the Cyprus problem, but under no circumstances are we at a deadlock,” he said. Responding to those describing the situation as a deadlock, he added that he did not know where they were getting their information.

Christodoulides said he would brief members of the National Council the following day, after which he would be able to say more.

Efforts to restart negotiations

The president said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remained fully committed to restarting negotiations and was working toward that goal. He said the Greek Cypriot side supported those efforts with proposals on methodology, substance and confidence-building measures, including new proposals that he said had received a positive response from Guterres.

Christodoulides said he was not trying to present an overly positive picture and acknowledged the challenge posed by the Turkish side’s support for a two-state solution. “There are problems, there are difficulties, there are challenges,” he said. “We are working so that we can achieve the goal of reunification.”