President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, pledged once again that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for the resumption of the Cyprus talks, emphasizing that there is no other alternative to resolving the problem. Speaking on Friday evening during an event organized at Achna village, in the government-controlled areas of Famagusta district, where refugees gathered, he assured that efforts would continue with the aim of ending the occupation and reuniting the island.
The President noted that the Greek Cypriot side’s proposals address the issues raised by the UN Secretary-General, regarding both methodology and confidence-building measures, as well as the substance of the Cyprus problem. He went on to say that these proposals could create the prospect of resuming negotiations, adding that this is the clear message he will convey to the Turkish Cypriot leader during their meeting next week.
He said that 52 years after the Turkish invasion the country remains occupied illegally and this is the substance of the Cyprus problem, noting that Cyprus is a UN and an EU member state, where we observe a systematic violation of individual rights and freedoms.
The President noted once again that since he assumed office his efforts have been to end the occupation and this has become his top priority.
President Christodoulides also said that despite problems, difficulties and challenges, efforts to resume negotiations are ongoing, always based on the agreed framework and the negotiations acquis.
He underlined that there is no ‘Plan B’ and no other option for us but to resolve the Cyprus problem, pointing out the political will by the UN Secretary General as regards the form of the Cyprus settlement and also the support Cyprus receives by the EU. He spoke of justified optimism because of these factors, adding that we are ready for the next step. He called on the Turkish side to proceed to the talks, adding that provided there is genuine political will, the reunification of Cyprus could be achieved.
Referring to Achna village, the President said that refugees found shelter there following the illegal invasion. He spoke of the resilience of the Cypriot people in rebuilding their lives from the ruins the invasion left behind.
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.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.