Christodoulides says opportunity for Cyprus solution remains open, rules out ‘artificial progress’

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that the “window of opportunity” for a solution to the Cyprus problem remained open. He said he was prepared to make concessions for reunification but would not pursue “artificial progress” simply to restart negotiations.

Reunification remains the priority

In a televised address marking the 66th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus, Christodoulides described ending the occupation and reunifying the island as his “first priority and greatest concern”.

He acknowledged that efforts to break the deadlock had not advanced as far as he had hoped.

“We are unfortunately not at the point where we would like to be, but this does not discourage us and certainly will not lead us to inaction,” he said.

He argued that inaction would benefit those seeking to perpetuate the status quo. He pointed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s calls for a two-state solution at the UN General Assembly as evidence of who was responsible for the lack of substantive progress.

Grounds for continued optimism

Despite the difficulties, Christodoulides said he remained committed to creating the conditions needed for negotiations to resume.

He cited the UN’s completion of its work recording past convergences and its reaffirmation of the agreed framework for a solution as grounds for continued optimism.

He also highlighted outgoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ willingness to continue his efforts, the Security Council’s position on the form of a settlement, and support from the European Union and Cyprus’ other strategic partners.

“As long as the effort continues, the window of opportunity remains open,” he said.

Conditions for a settlement

Christodoulides said reunification remained the sole objective, through a settlement that would transform the Republic into a modern state exercising sovereignty over its entire territory, without occupying troops or guarantor powers retaining rights of intervention.

He said he remained a realist and understood the limits of the Greek Cypriot side’s position.

“I am ready for concessions which serve the objective of liberation and reunification, but under no circumstances will I slide into actions for the sake of artificial progress,” he said.