President Nikos Christodoulides has strongly condemned Turkey’s expansionist, neo-Ottoman policy regarding Cyprus. Speaking at a conference dedicated to Hellenic culture, he expressed that Cyprus continues to endure the lasting effects of detrimental strategies and misguided aspirations stemming from Turkey’s actions.
In his address, Christodoulides stated, “Cyprus is still suffering from the unhealed wounds caused by selfish approaches, foolish policies, naïve fantasies, and the expansionist, neo-Ottoman policy of Turkey.” He emphasised the need for a pragmatic response, proposing what he termed “assertive realism” as a solution to the island’s longstanding challenges.
Highlighting the importance of this approach, he remarked, “Assertive realism is the cornerstone of the efforts we have been making for the past two and a half years for liberation and for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, in a difficult geopolitical environment.” This philosophy will soon be put to the test as diplomatic efforts continue.
In December, United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin is set to visit Cyprus to meet with both Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman. These discussions are intended to pave the way for a larger meeting concerning the Cyprus issue, which will include the two sides of Cyprus, the three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—and the UN. This significant gathering is expected to take place in New York in January.
Originally, the enlarged meeting was scheduled for this month; however, Erhurman chose to delay his initial meeting with Holguin from early November to December 5. This postponement appears strategic, allowing Erhurman to strengthen ties with the Turkish government prior to the commencement of serious negotiations. He is slated to visit Ankara on Thursday for discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erhurman, who recently won the Turkish Cypriot leadership election in a remarkable landslide, advocates for a resumption of negotiations aimed at a federal resolution to the Cyprus problem. Christodoulides has similarly endorsed this model. However, Erdogan’s stance remains complex, as he has reiterated support for a two-state solution while also expressing a degree of openness towards renewed negotiations following Erhurman’s electoral success.
Following Erhurman’s victory, Erdogan acknowledged the significance of the Turkish Cypriots’ will, stating, “Their will is highly respected by us.” He affirmed that relations with Northern Cyprus will continue as they have under the AK Party government, which has held power for 23 years.
