Neophytou criticises government over Cyprus talks and crossing points

Nicosia, Cyprus. Former Disy leader Averof Neophytou criticised the government’s handling of the Cyprus issue, saying political calculations must not take precedence over efforts to achieve progress in negotiations.

Speaking to Alpha on Sunday, Neophytou said President Nikos Christodoulides appeared not to have fully understood the conditions set by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for convening a multilateral conference on Cyprus.

UN framework

Neophytou said the president “seems not to have understood them well”, adding that if Christodoulides had understood the conditions but was misleading the public, “then it is tragic”.

He referred to the UN framework for moving towards a broader meeting on the Cyprus issue, which requires sufficient progress on the matters under discussion before a conference can be convened.

Political considerations

Asked whether the president was sincere in seeking a solution to the Cyprus problem, Neophytou said that “while Guterres was here it would seem some were running polls for 2028.”

He rejected the idea that party interests should influence positions on the Cyprus issue.

“For the good of the Cyprus issue, know that for me there is no party that is above my country,” he said.

Crossing points

Neophytou also criticised what he described as a lack of progress in opening new crossing points, saying the government should overcome the obstacles preventing movement on the matter.

He urged Christodoulides to overcome what he described as the obstacle of a roadblock and “open the way for a solution”.

Neophytou has previously warned that closing crossing points would be a “strategic mistake”, arguing that such a move could strengthen Turkish arguments in favour of a two-state settlement.