Negotiating table discussions will be the real test for the future of Cyprus, according to President Nikos Christodoulides. Following recent comments from Tufan Erhürman, the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Christodoulides expressed his thoughts on the ongoing Cyprus issue while addressing reporters after a student parade in Nicosia commemorating Greece’s national day on 28 October.
During the parade, when asked about Erhürman’s omission of a bizonal bicommunal federation in his statements, Christodoulides remarked, “we’ll all be judged at the negotiating table.” He highlighted the importance of approaching negotiations with clarity and purpose.
Christodoulides, who has extensive experience with the Cyprus issue, noted that the Greek Cypriot side is eager to end the longstanding occupation and achieve reunification. “We’re not afraid of negotiations because we know where we want to go, we know how we’ll achieve our goal and we’re ready to negotiate within the UN framework and the principles and values of the European Union,” he stated.
The president further elaborated on his attempts to reach out to Erhürman after the latter’s election, indicating he had made several efforts to initiate contact. However, he reported that these attempts had not been successful. “I tried repeatedly from my side from the first night after Erhürman’s election, but this was not possible,” he said. He noted a brief communication during a recent European Council meeting in Brussels, but subsequent attempts were met with silence.
On the significance of the 28 October celebrations, Christodoulides reflected on the historical context, stating, “Cyprus honours Greece’s struggle against Nazism and fascism in defence of universal values.” He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Greek Cypriots in support of their Greek counterparts during this tumultuous period.
Christodoulides underscored the need to learn from past struggles, asserting that for Cyprus, the lesson is to maintain a steadfast commitment to liberation and reunification. He concluded, “We will continue this effort using all the country’s internal and external power factors until the blessed day of liberation and reunification.”
