cyprus talks — cyprus talks — President Nikos Christodoulides has asserted that the Republic of Cyprus is prepared for negotiations concerning the longstanding Cyprus issue, while firmly denying any indications of US involvement in the matter. In a recent interview with Phileleftheros, he emphasised the importance of regional cooperation and alliances in addressing both internal and external challenges faced by Cyprus.
Cyprus talks: Strengthening Regional Alliances
Christodoulides articulated that Cyprus is not isolated but part of a broader regional framework that promotes security and stability. “We have no indications of American intervention on the Cyprus issue, nor have they hinted at such,” he stated, reflecting a commitment to maintaining Cyprus’s sovereignty and independence in diplomatic matters.
Positive Engagement with Turkey
Addressing the complex relationship with Turkey, the President highlighted that Cyprus will not base its actions solely on Turkey’s position. Instead, he aims for a constructive approach that emphasises dialogue and cooperation. “We don’t operate based on what Turkey does, and we don’t approach anything as a zero-sum game. We operate on the basis of a positive approach,” he noted.
Internal Pressures and Diplomatic Initiatives
When questioned about internal pressures to concede to Turkey’s demands, Christodoulides expressed confidence in Cyprus’s position. He remarked, “I don’t feel internal pressure on the Cyprus issue, to be honest. We don’t exclude Turkey from regional cooperation if the Cyprus issue is resolved.” This statement indicates a willingness to engage with Turkey, contingent upon progress in resolving the Cyprus dispute.
Readiness for Negotiations
Christodoulides affirmed Cyprus’s readiness to commence negotiations immediately, stating, “We declare that we’re ready to start negotiations even tomorrow.” He dismissed claims that recent diplomatic moves would hinder the peace process, asserting that they do not negatively affect the efforts to resolve the issue.
Direct Engagement with Turkish Officials
Addressing criticisms regarding his administration’s direct communications with Turkish leaders, Christodoulides clarified that Cyprus, as an internationally recognised state and EU member, engages with all parties. He remarked, “The Republic of Cyprus is an internationally recognised state that speaks with everyone,” emphasising the importance of diplomatic channels.
Shifts in Turkish Leadership
Commenting on the recent election of Turkish Cypriot leader Erhürman, he acknowledged that while there are differences in leadership style compared to his predecessor, the effectiveness of negotiations will ultimately determine their impact. “Certainly, Mr Erhürman is different from Mr Tatar, and you can tell this easily when you meet him. However, we’ll all be judged at the negotiating table,” he said.
Comprehensive Discussion on Governance
Christodoulides reiterated the importance of addressing all aspects of the Cyprus issue, including governance, which he described as one of the six core chapters that need comprehensive discussion. He stated that political equality, as recognised in UN resolutions, has never been disputed by Cyprus, in contrast to previous interpretations by Turkish leaders.
Timelines and Future Conferences
While many anticipate a timeline for resuming negotiations, Christodoulides refrained from setting specific dates. He noted, “Not yet” when asked if a date had been established for a potential multilateral conference. He believes that timing should not dictate the political will necessary for resolution.
US Relations and Regional Stability
Addressing concerns about US involvement, Christodoulides maintained that discussions with the US regarding Cyprus are framed within the context of broader regional stability rather than isolated interventions. He emphasised, “Our discussions with the US about the Cyprus issue fall within the general framework of our discussions about the region.” This approach aims to position Cyprus as a reliable partner in the region.
UN Resolutions and Future Directions
In his remarks on the UN Secretary-General’s framework, Christodoulides stated that references to UN resolutions inherently describe the form of the solution to the Cyprus issue. He expressed optimism that political will could lead to a resolution even before António Guterres’s term concludes, reiterating, “Everything is a matter of political will and readiness, and we are fully ready.”
