Italian President Sergio Mattarella Visits South Cyprus

The Fileleftheros newspaper reported under the headline "The Request is for Turkey to Join the Negotiation Table," emphasizing the desire of the Greek Cypriot side for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to participate in negotiations, a prospect they believe can only be achieved through the mediation of the European Union (EU).

According to the newspaper, the Greek Cypriot government sees the initiation of a dialogue between the EU and Turkey as a potentially decisive factor in the new effort to resolve the Cyprus issue, indicating its intention to pursue this direction in the coming period.

During the meeting with President Mattarella, Christodoulides underscored the potential for the Cyprus issue to play a decisive role, given the tools available to the European Union and the need for further consolidation of Turkey-EU relations.

The newspaper highlighted Christodoulides’ efforts to capitalize on the momentum created by the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, the Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus issue, in both his recent discussions and meetings with European leaders and officials, aiming to secure more active EU involvement in the process.

Following their one-on-one meeting at the presidential palace, Mattarella expressed the fundamental importance of resolving the Cyprus issue for the balance in the Mediterranean, referring to the "sad anniversary" of the "Turkish occupation" marking its 50th year.

In his remarks, Mattarella emphasized the necessity of ultimately resolving the Cyprus issue, which holds fundamental importance not only for South Cyprus but also for the entire Mediterranean region and EU countries.

Mattarella reiterated Italy's support for a bicommunal, bizonal solution consistent with UN resolutions, welcoming the arrival of the Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus issue and acknowledging the challenging task ahead for Holguin.

Additionally, the newspaper reported on discussions between Mattarella and Christodoulides regarding close cooperation in areas such as energy and explored avenues for strengthening collaboration in defense, security, and culture.

Christodoulides highlighted existing close cooperation in defense with other Mediterranean states such as Greece and France, citing joint exercises and training activities, particularly in light of the need to ensure security and cooperation conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Furthermore, Mattarella's visit to the UN mission and the Committee on Missing Persons was mentioned, with Mattarella emphasizing the concrete evidence of the tragedy of missing persons and underscoring the need for a positive resolution of the Cyprus issue after 50 years.

Mattarella's visit to the Green Line in Nicosia, accompanied by Christodoulides and the Mayor of Nicosia, Konstantinos Giorgakis, was also highlighted, with discussions focusing on urban renewal and the creation of startup businesses to revitalize neighborhoods, not only in South Nicosia but also in the north, aiming to strengthen Cypriot entrepreneurship.

The newspapers also noted Christodoulides’ intervention, emphasizing that the problem has never been the relationship between Greek Cypriots and Turks but rather Turkey itself.

The coverage in Alithia titled "Mattarella at the Green Line in Nicosia - Christodoulides: The Problem Has Never Been the Relationship Between Greek Cypriots and Turks," and in Haravgi titled "The Resolution of the Cyprus Issue Is Important for Balance in the Mediterranean - Italian President Expresses Support for a Bicommunal, Bizonal Federation," underscores the significance of Mattarella's visit and his discussions with Christodoulides in South Cyprus.