Category: Cyprus News Agency

Sexual violence and abuse against children remains a tragic reality for all societies, with horribly negative consequences for the lives of child victims and the Cyprus Parliament is in collaboration with competent bodies, in order to strengthen the institutional tools for prevention, protection and support of victims and to contribute as a legislative body to the elimination of the crime President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou said.

She was speaking before the Plenary of the Parliament on Thursday afternoon, on the occasion of the International Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse which is observed November 18th.

She also referred to World Children’s Day observed every year on November 20th, noting that this day is a reminder of our responsibility to ensure that every child grows up in a safe environment and under conditions of equal opportunities.

Demetriou said that the Cyprus House of Representatives acknowledges its critical role as a legislative body and to this end it monitors and adopts the strategies and actions of the European Union to combat all forms of violence and exclusion, but also to strengthen policies that promote education, health and psychosocial well-being of all children.

TWIN2EXPAND Final Conference Sessions – Evidence-Based Design and Planning for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities

Panels on Urban Data Governance and the Green Deal Implementation Agenda

The TWIN2EXPAND project participated in Cyprus Forum 2025 with two high-level panel discussions dedicated to the future of urban data governance and the practical implementation of the European Green Deal in Cyprus. Organized in collaboration with Oxygen for Democracy and held in the historic Cornaro Room of the Nicosia Old Town Hall, the sessions reflected the project’s commitment to strengthening evidence-based and participatory approaches to urban and environmental decision-making.

Building an Open Urban Data Future – The Case of Cyprus

The first panel explored the evolving landscape of urban data in Cyprus and the systemic conditions required to build a cohesive, open, and usable data ecosystem. At the heart of the conversation was a widely shared challenge of moving from fragmented, siloed datasets toward integrated data systems capable of informing climate resilience, accessibility planning, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Discussions examined how EU directives on open data often encounter local constraints, highlighting the gap between the ambition of European legislation and the operational capacities of municipalities and state agencies. Participants debated the types of governance models that could help Cyprus overcome this gap, drawing examples from international practices in data stewardship, city observatories, and collaborative data alliances.

A further theme concerned the value of open urban data beyond regulatory compliance. Panellists highlighted how richer and more accessible spatial and environmental datasets can enhance decision-making by: enabling more transparent planning; supporting real-time monitoring of sustainability indicators; helping communities understand inequalities in access to services, transport, and green space; providing researchers and innovators the foundations for new analytical tools.

The discussion also reflected on Cyprus’s potential to serve as a living laboratory for data-driven urban governance. Its scale, institutional landscape, and vibrant research ecosystem offer favourable conditions for piloting new collaborative data models.

The session closed with reflections from each speaker, underscoring the need for long-term coordination between central government, local authorities, academia, and the private sector.

Moderators: Nadia Charalambous, Ilaria Geddes. SURF Lab, University of Cyprus

Speakers:

Prof. Marios M. Polycarpou, Director, KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, UCY

Prof. Marina Neophytou, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, UCY

Dr Gareth Simons, Senior Research Fellow, University College London

Valentina Marin, Associate Director, Space Syntax

Pavlos Loizou, Founder and CEO, Ask Wire

Green Deal in Practice – Cyprus Implementation Agenda

The second panel addressed how Cyprus can realistically implement the European Green Deal, given its specific geographic, environmental, and socio-political context. The conversation began by unpacking the core pillars of the Green Deal-climate neutrality, biodiversity restoration, energy transition, circular economy- and assessing Cyprus’s current position relative to European targets.

Participants explored how Cyprus can translate the Green Deal’s overarching objectives-climate neutrality, biodiversity protection, resource management, renewable energy expansion, and sustainable urban development-into context-appropriate national strategies. They also discussed structural and regulatory challenges that affect implementation, noting that long-term sustainability ambitions often face mismatches between policy design, administrative capacity, and local realities. The panel highlighted the need for clearer implementation pathways, more resilient planning frameworks, and integrated monitoring systems capable of capturing progress across interrelated policy areas.

Another key theme was the necessity of collaboration. Effective implementation of the Green Deal demands coordination across governmental departments, alignment between national and municipal planning, and meaningful cooperation with academia, civil society, and the private sector. Speakers pointed out that without sustained investment, institutional stability, and participatory engagement, even the most well-defined policies risk remaining aspirational. They emphasised on the importance of strengthening environmental governance, improving data sharing across institutions, and fostering public understanding of climate priorities to ensure that environmental transformations deliver tangible benefits to communities.

The session concluded with final reflections from each speaker, outlining priority actions for the coming years: strengthening environmental monitoring systems, investing in renewable energy and water resilience, integrating scientific evidence into planning decisions, and building the institutional foundations necessary for Cyprus to meet its 2030 and 2050 targets.

Moderator: Andreas Papallas, Architect, SURF Lab, University of Cyprus

Speakers:

Charalampos Theopemptou, Chair, Environment Committee, House of Representatives of Cyprus

Savvas Vlachos, Director, Cyprus Energy Agency

Eleni Stylianopoulou, Secretariat for the Coordination and Support of the Government Programme

Nicoletta Neophytou, Director, PwC Cyprus

Knowledge Resources

Acknowledgements

The University of Cyprus and the TWIN2EXPAND consortium extend their warmest thanks to all speakers, moderators, and participants for contributing to a thoughtful and forward-looking dialogue. The discussions underscored the importance of evidence-based policy, cross-sector collaboration, and public engagement in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for Cyprus.-objectives that lie at the heart of TWIN2EXPAND’s mission.

TWIN2EXPAND

The project ‘Towards Research Excellence in Evidence-Based Planning and Urban Design – TWIN2EXPAND’ brings together a consortium of leading European research institutions, including University College London (UCL), Polytechnic University of Turin, Chalmers University of Technology and Space Syntax Limited. TWIN2EXPAND aims to enhance UCY’s research excellence in evidence-based design and planning (EBDP) and to promote interdisciplinary research and networking.

Funding: European Union [grant number 101078890] and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee [grant number 10052856, 10050784].

Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas Ioannides, signed on Friday, a framework agreement with the Director of International Affairs at the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration of the Federal Department of Justice and Police, Ambassador Hendrick Krauskopf, on behalf of the Swiss Federal Council, by which Switzerland allocates CHF10 million (pound 10.7 million) to support Cyprus’ migration strategy.

In statements to the press, after the signing of the agreement, Deputy Minister Ioannides said that ‘this is an important day for the Republic of Cyprus and for our collaboration with the Swiss Confederation. The signing of this framework agreement is a testament to our deep and strong ties. It is important that the Swiss Confederation has been supporting Cyprus in a tangible way. We’d like to extend our gratitude to the government and the people of the Swiss Confederation for allocating more than 10 million euros to the Republic of Cyprus in the field of migration.’

He noted that most of this contribution will be used to support the implementation of Cyprus’ national integration strategy. Except for financial support, ‘our collaboration extends and is broad enough to include the exchange of best practices and expertise,’ he added.

The Deputy Minister expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Switzerland to Cyprus, Christoph Burgener and to Ambassador Krauskopf for the continued support of the government of the Swiss Confederation. ‘Thank you to the government of the Swiss Confederation for their support to a small frontline member state like Cyprus, which has been dealing with irregular migration, with the serious challenges posed by irregular migration over the last years. We look forward to working with you in implementing this frame of agreement and broadening and enhancing our excellent collaboration,’ he said.

Ambassador Hendrick Krauskopf said that this is a celebration day. ‘Switzerland and Cyprus are reinforcing their migration partnership. With this agreement, Switzerland will provide 10 million Swiss francs to support migration projects here in Cyprus’, he said, noting that Cyprus is among the European countries most affected by migratory pressures, since its geographical situation makes it a key frontline state. ‘Switzerland recognizes the burden which Cyprus faces and this is why we stand with Cyprus as an act of solidarity, but also of recognition,’ he noted.

He went on to say that Switzerland is contributing to support safe accommodation for unaccompanied minors arriving in Cyprus, in cooperation with the NGO Hope for Children. ‘We will also continue to assist vulnerable migrants who choose to return to their country of origin, working alongside with the International Organization for Migration. Lastly, we will support early integration for asylum seekers and refugees who remain in Cyprus, helping them to build independent and stable lives,’ he said.

He added that supporting Cyprus is part of Switzerland’s broader strategy to contribute to well-functioning migration systems in Europe. ‘We are here today to mark our longstanding support going forward in our future cooperation. The agreement signed today follows the first phase of cooperation launched in 2022, which already delivered valuable experience and partnerships. With the new program, Switzerland confirms its long-term commitment to shared responsibilities and pragmatic cooperation in the field of migration,’ he noted, wishing Cyprus a fruitful implementation of the new phase of the cooperation program, as well as a successful year of the Council Presidency. ‘In the field of migration, there will be challenges, and these challenges you will master,’ he concluded.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance, the Framework Agreement includes four projects. The first one titled ‘Home for Hope – Shelter for Unaccompanied Children’, will receive pound 2.4 million and will be implemented by the NGO Hope for Children, to build two new structures with a capacity to accommodate 15-20 unaccompanied minors each.

The second project titled ‘Assisted Voluntary Return Hub’, will receive pound 1.5 million, for the continued provision of temporary accommodation to migrants who voluntarily return in a dignified and safe manner.

The third project titled ‘Implementation of the Integration Strategy’ will receive pound 6.4 million and will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration, in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry for Migration and International Protection, for the implementation of a holistic and decentralized strategy for the early integration of migrants.

An amount of pound 214,000 will be allocated as Technical Support.

During the first phase of the Swiss contribution, the ‘development of new facilities and capacity building for asylum’ was funded with pound 9.1 million. The project covers part of the cost of constructing the new central offices of the Asylum Service, as well as publicity activities and knowledge-exchange actions.

Moreover, pound 1.1 million were allocated to the project ‘Supporting Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration’. The grant contributes to the development of accommodation facilities for vulnerable asylum seekers who wish to voluntarily return to their countries of origin.

The Government continues to support the promotion of Cypriot traditional products, Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis said on Friday, adding that the benefits from tourism must be spread throughout the local community.

He also noted that ‘2025 seems to be another record year for our country’s tourism, with the first ten months of the year recording an increase of 11.1%, compared to the previous year’s arrivals and 34.2% over a three-year period.’

In his address at the 3rd CyFood B2B Forum, organized on Friday in Larnaca, he said that this initiative ‘has evolved into an extremely valuable institution and aims to highlight local products and our gastronomic identity’.

He added that ‘today’s event, with the planned Business to Business meetings, visits to producers, thematic presentations and specialized tasting workshops, proves that our country has not only high-quality products, but also a rapidly developing cooperation ecosystem.’

‘We are now witnesses and followers of new trends in the field of tourism. The new international trend in the sector that we all serve together is the search for authentic experiences,’ he said, and noted that ‘travelers are now looking for, during their visits to the destinations they choose, authentic – local experiences and Cypriot gastronomy can undoubtedly offer such experiences even to the most demanding traveler.’

Cypriot cuisine, he continued, ‘is one of the most authentic and valuable elements of our tourist identity. It is the living expression of tradition, nature and the people of our country and, therefore, it is a strategic priority for the Government to highlight gastronomy as a key axis of the tourist experience and sustainable development.’

The Deputy Minister of Tourism also said that the connection of tourism with local production, Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products and the flavors that characterize each region of our country, are a central goal in our efforts to create a tourism product that showcases our authenticity and gastronomic identity.

The Government, he noted, ‘continues this year to support the promotion of Cypriot traditional products, with the relevant funds from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s schemes being increased for next year”.

For the scheme concerning the organization of wine and gastronomy events and local products in communities, an increased budget is now recorded, while the budget for subsidizing experiential traditional handicraft workshops has also been increased, he concluded.

Greece and the Greek people remain the most stable, consistent, and selfless ally in Cyprus’ struggle for liberation and reunification, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, at the ceremony to award honorary medals to the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK), held in Malounta in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, and 15 men from the Force who fought in Cyprus in 1974.

He added that a solution to the Cyprus problem without the withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops cannot be accepted, nor can an arrangement that would keep the country bound by anachronistic guarantees and the logic of the Cold War period of the 1950s.

According to the President of the Republic, in recognition of the timeless and invaluable contribution of the Greek Force in Cyprus since its establishment in 1960, it is being awarded the “Defender of Freedom” medal, which to date has been awarded by the Republic of Cyprus to all military personnel, Greek Cypriots and Greeks who sacrificed themselves during the Turkish invasion, while today ELDYK is also being awarded the Medal for Exceptional Bravery by the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus.

“Today, as the Cypriot State, we officially honor our ELDYK brothers, who fought alongside our people during those tragic hours of betrayal and unspeakable destruction. Our debt to them is even greater when we consider that their sacrifice softened the trauma caused by the most recent tragedy of Hellenism, a wound that continues to bleed to this day,” he added.

He also made special reference to the 15 ELDYK members who took part in the 1974 military operations and were present at today’s ceremony, thanking them on behalf of Cypriot Hellenism and the Cypriot State once again “for what they did for Cyprus, for Greece, for the dignity of our people and our nation.”

He recalled that ELDYK, an integral part of the history of the Republic of Cyprus, was established under the Treaty of Establishment and that its 65-year presence is identified with the dramatic events that have marked Cyprus from its first steps as an independent state to the present day.

“For 51 years, Turkey has continued its illegal military occupation of more than one-third of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, an independent and sovereign Member State of the European Union and the United Nations. For more than half a century, Turkey has refused to allow access to the archives of the occupying army to ascertain the fate of missing persons, has violated the fundamental rights of all legal residents of Cyprus, expanding illegal settlement and altering the demographic character of our country, intensifying the economic, political, and religious manipulation of Turkish Cypriots, and destroying our religious and cultural heritage. These are just some of the evidence of Turkey’s ongoing crime, which we are working to end by seeking a sustainable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the agreed framework of the United Nations and the principles and values of the European Union,” he stressed.

“I would like to take advantage of the presence of my friend, the President of the Hellenic Republic, to reiterate that for us, Greece and the Greek people remain our most stable, consistent, and selfless ally in our struggle for the liberation and reunification of our homeland. And today, from the headquarters of the honoured ELDYK, I wish to send a message in all directions that for us, a solution to the Cyprus problem without the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation forces is unacceptable. Nor can we compromise with a settlement that would keep our homeland bound by anachronistic guarantees and the logic of the Cold War period of the 1950s,” stressed the President of the Republic.

He added that Cyprus and Greece, beyond their complete agreement on major national issues, are working together to achieve mutual goals on a wide range of issues, and expressed his satisfaction that in recent years this joint effort has been extended to a wide range of areas, in a very specific and structured manner within the framework of intergovernmental cooperation that he initiated with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. “This cooperation, which is particularly beneficial for our citizens, is built on solid foundations characterised by sincerity, mutual respect and love, the result of a fraternal relationship that has been rooted here for centuries,” he added.

According to President Christodoulides, in 40 days the Republic of Cyprus will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union, “with the certainty that it will respond adequately to this great national challenge, with the expectation with the certainty that it will contribute effectively to the completion of important legislative dossiers and with the ambition to contribute to the effort for a Europe with more autonomy, more solidarity, more inclusive, more effective for its citizens.”

“On New Year’s Day 2026, when the flag of the Republic of Cyprus will fly proudly at the top of the European flagpole, our thoughts will turn to those who fought for the existence of the Republic of Cyprus, to all those who fought for its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, with the promise that we will do everything humanly possible to vindicate them. And for us, the only vindication comes through the liberation and reunification of our homeland. This is our greatest obligation, but also our eternal debt,” concluded the President of the Republic.

For his part, Tasoulas said that today are honoured the struggles and sacrifices of the Greek Armed Forces in defending the freedom, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our homeland.

“On this symbolic day, the Republic of Cyprus pays the highest tribute to the Hellenic Force in Cyprus, awarding the Medals of the ‘Defender of Freedom’ and Exceptional Bravery to its glorious, blood-stained flag. Mr. President, on behalf of the Greek people, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your initiative, you and the Government, in highlighting the historic role and moral recognition of the contribution of ELDYK in defending the freedom and independence of Cypriot Hellenism,” he went on to say.

According to the President of the Hellenic Republic, today we are not only honouring the heroism, self-sacrifice, and sacrifice of the men of ELDYK, but we are also renewing a supreme oath of honor, “to stand worthy of those who fell, those who are still missing. To keep alive the flame of unity among the forces of Hellenism and our unwavering commitment to the just struggle for freedom.”

“Greece and Cyprus, united by ancient fraternal ties, continue to fight together for a just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem. A solution based on the decisions of the United Nations and the European acquis. A solution that will end the occupation and reunite Cyprus into a peaceful, democratic, and European state, for the benefit of all its legal residents. All of them, without exception,” he then emphasized.

“Fifty-one years after the Turkish invasion, the fate of more than 750 Greeks and Cypriots, including 26 ELDYK officers, remains unknown, while many of them are certain to have been victims of serious violations of international humanitarian law. The pain for their families, though silent, remains undiminished. We will never stop highlighting the issue of the Missing Persons and supporting the relevant efforts, in any way possible, until the truth is revealed, until the fate of the last of them is ascertained,” he stressed on the matter.

The addresses were followed by the presentation of medals by the President of the Republic and the laying of wreaths at the ELDYK Memorial to Fallen Heroes and Missing Persons.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Since then, the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.

A Committee on Missing Persons has been established, upon agreement between the leaders of the two communities, with the scope of exhuming, identifying and returning to their relatives the remains of 492 Turkish Cypriots and 1,510 Greek Cypriots, who went missing during the inter-communal fighting of 1963-1964 and in 1974.

According to statistical data published on the CMP website by September 30, 2025 out of 2002 missing persons 1,707 were exhumed and 1,057 were identified. Out of 1,510 Greek Cypriot missing persons 761 were identified and 749 are still missing. Out of 492 Turkish Cypriot missing persons 296 were identified and 196 are still missing.

The continuous upgrading of the National Guard, both in terms of human resources and technological capabilities, is a key pillar of our strategy to strengthen the security of our country, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, speaking on Wednesday evening during an event marking the 25th anniversary of CyBC programme on defence issues.

Referring to current challenges, the President said that “beyond the Turkish occupation, beyond the occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and the need to monitor the ceasefire line, our country’s geographical position in a region of particular geostrategic importance, which, as we see, is constantly plagued by crises, creates increased obligations in both the defence and foreign sectors, and all of this is linked in the field of internal and external security.”

“Migration, terrorism, smuggling, piracy, and the asymmetric threats we face are challenges that require the constant readiness of the security forces of the Republic of Cyprus,” he stressed. Within this framework, and as the closest EU member state in the region, the Republic of Cyprus is called upon, through actions rather than words, to respond to humanitarian and other missions, as well as search and rescue operations, he noted.

“And precisely because of the factors I mentioned earlier, the Turkish occupation, geographical location, EU membership, the continuous upgrading of the National Guard, the continuous strengthening of our country’s deterrent power, both in terms of human resources and technological capabilities, is a key pillar of our strategy to enhance our country’s security,” he stressed.

He added that this goal is being achieved through specific actions, such as, among many others, the use of the EU’s SAFE financial instrument, which provides the amount of pound 1.2 billion for the Republic of Cyprus.

The President of the Republic also referred to the supply of military equipment from the United States of America through the Excess Defense Articles and Foreign Military Sales programs, noting that thanks to the government’s actions, the participation of the Republic of Cyprus was secured in January 2024. The Ministry of Defence has already made a plan for the specific utilization of these programs, as well as the utilization of the promising Cypriot defence industry and the upgrading of critical infrastructure, such as the Andreas Papandreou Air Base and the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base, he added.

“Our government strongly supports the National Guard and invests in its continuous upgrading and strengthening in terms of equipment, infrastructure, and, of course, human resources. Our officers and non-commissioned officers, all the members of the National Guard, are a valuable asset for our country, for achieving the goal of establishing, first and foremost, a sense of security for our citizens, and we are proud of the multifaceted role played by the National Guard,” emphasized the President of the Republic.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 20/11/2025

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 20/11/2025 UNTIL 0600 21/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1021hPa (hectopascal)

High pressure is affecting the area. ?he weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 23°C

Warnings: NIL

The Sultanate of Oman reiterates its full support for the Republic of Cyprus in achieving a just and comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the principles of international law, a press release by the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Nicosia said on Thursday.

In the press release on the occasion of the National Day of the Sultanate of Oman, it is stressed that Oman enjoys strong bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus, which have “witnessed significant development in recent years across various fields of cooperation”.

This year, it adds, these efforts culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding in the areas of health, transport, and maritime affairs, reflecting the joint commitment to further strengthening cooperation between our two friendly countries across multiple sectors.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, the Sultanate of Oman “reiterates its full support for the Republic of Cyprus in achieving a just and comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the principles of international law, thereby promoting security, stability, and fulfilling the aspirations of the Cypriot people”.

Moreover, it notes that within the framework of these close ties, Oman extends its sincere wishes to the Republic of Cyprus for success and prosperity during its forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026.

It says that the Sultanate of Oman has established a firm diplomatic approach, grounded in positive neutrality, dialogue, and respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Oman continues to call for the use of peaceful means to resolve disputes without interference in the internal affairs of other states, it adds.

Furthermore, it says that the Sultanate of Oman successfully enhanced its economy by building non-oil commodity exports shaping 30% of the Economy, the State GDP is with the value of RO 10.171 billion with 1.7% increase from last year. Finally, it says that the OMAN 2040 Vision includes developing many public sectors such as education, scientific research and academic publishing, the social protection system, the healthcare sector, the environmental affairs, agriculture, shipping and industry.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format is expected later this year.

María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties, while former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, designated by the Commission as Special Envoy for Cyprus, is also expected to contribute to the settlement process, in cooperation with Holguín.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Thursday morning that he was fully prepared for his first meeting with the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, stating that he had suggestions that could lead to positive developments in the Cyprus issue.

Upon his departure from the Presidential Palace, to go to the residence of the UN Special Representative in Cyprus, Hashim Dian, to attend the meeting, Christodoulides told the media that ‘the sole goal is to have positive results towards resuming the talks from where they were interrupted in Crans-Montana.’

“I have several suggestions and approaches on how to create these positive developments towards this direction,” he added, concluding with the wish that there will be a response by the other side that will produce ‘good news” after the meeting.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.