Christodoulides: Awaiting Meeting with Tatar, but Focused on Expanded Talks Under UN Auspices
Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his anticipation for a meeting with Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar, stating his readiness for such talks. However, he emphasized his primary focus on an expanded meeting under the auspices of the United Nations.
According to Fileleftheros, Christodoulides highlighted in his New Year message that the Greek Cypriot administration is "changing and advancing both domestically and internationally." He claimed that their image abroad is being strengthened not just through words but through bold initiatives, such as delivering aid to Gaza by sea.
Christodoulides cited examples including Cyprus's first-ever election to the Human Rights Council, establishing a strategic dialogue with the United States, institutionalizing cooperation with Greece, and holding the presidency of MED9, a group of nine Mediterranean EU member states. He also noted preparations for Cyprus to assume the presidency of the Council of Europe on January 1, 2026.
He asserted that this strengthening of Cyprus’s position internally and externally will make a decisive contribution to efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. Christodoulides claimed he has been working since his first day in office to restart negotiations from where they left off and to resolve the Cyprus problem within the agreed framework, making use of past negotiation gains and adhering to EU principles and values.
Despite the Turkish side’s demand to alter the negotiation framework, Christodoulides said "persistent and coordinated diplomatic moves" have succeeded in involving the UN Secretary-General in efforts to restart talks. He further alleged that they have leveraged Cyprus's EU membership to create incentives and preconditions for changes in Turkey's stance, linking progress in Turkey-EU relations to substantial progress in resolving the Cyprus issue.
Christodoulides reiterated his readiness to meet with Tatar but emphasized his expectation for an expanded meeting under UN auspices, stating:
“I am ready to work to achieve my sole objective of ending the occupation and reunifying our homeland. I am prepared to assume my historic responsibility to reunify the country and fully realize its potential for the benefit of all Cypriots.”
Alithia noted that while Christodoulides acknowledged the necessity of self-criticism, his New Year message focused exclusively on positive aspects.
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