Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides announced on Sunday that he will meet with UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, on Saturday, May 24, as part of ongoing efforts to restart Cyprus peace negotiations.
Speaking during the symbolic 2 km “Blue Route” walk in Nicosia, organized by Europa Uomo Cyprus and the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, Christodoulides confirmed that while no new meeting is currently scheduled with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, he believes a three-way meeting with Holguín during her visit would be beneficial.
“The negotiators met recently, and if further meetings are needed, they will happen. But I think it would be good for the three of us—myself, Tatar, and Holguín—to meet so she can share her intentions and we can present our views,” he said.
Christodoulides expressed optimism about renewed momentum, citing the European Commission’s recent appointment of Johannes Hahn as envoy on Cyprus as a positive development. He noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent comments in Albania on improving Turkey-EU relations, including on defence and the Customs Union, could present a real opportunity for progress, provided Turkey fulfills its obligations to Cyprus and the EU.
“There is a framework taking shape. We are fully prepared, we know what we want, and we are determined to continue this effort,” he emphasized.
Commenting on recent meetings between the negotiators, he admitted only “very small steps” have been taken and reiterated the need for political decisions at the leadership level. “Negotiators cannot make political decisions. That’s why I hope Holguín will bring us together. It’s time for those decisions,” he said.
Regarding the EU envoy, Christodoulides confirmed that Hahn has officially begun his role and that they have already exchanged views following their recent meeting in Valencia. He added that Hahn will visit both the north and south of the island.
Asked about his recent brief exchange with Erdoğan in Tirana, Christodoulides was cautious. “Many words are spoken. If something positive is to come out of it, we’ll see soon enough. But it’s clear that a real dialogue is needed to produce meaningful results.”
(voıce cyprus)
