Christodoulides heads to NY focused on talks revival , prepared with alternative scenarios

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides announced on Monday that he is heading to New York with a firm goal: to create the conditions necessary for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue. He emphasized that while challenges remain, he is prepared with alternative approaches depending on how developments unfold.

Speaking to reporters at the Franco-Cypriot School during an event hosted by the French Embassy to mark France’s National Day, Christodoulides underlined his commitment to restarting the peace talks within the framework already established in previous negotiations.

“I am going to New York with a clear goal: to create the conditions for a resumption of negotiations,” he said, acknowledging the significant difficulties and obstacles ahead. He recalled that, at the outset of this renewed effort, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar had even declined to attend a social meeting and placed conditions on participating in any UN-led dialogue.

Christodoulides highlighted several positive developments in recent months, including the first informal conference, key diplomatic appointments and reappointments, and growing interest from the European Union in playing a more active role in the peace process.

He reiterated that his mission is singular: “What matters to me is how the conditions will be created to lead to the resumption of negotiations, making use of the negotiating acquis, with the sole objective of resolving the Cyprus issue on the basis of the agreed framework.”

In response to questions about how he plans to navigate Turkish resistance, Christodoulides confirmed that he is prepared with “several alternative scenarios” to move forward, depending on how discussions evolve in New York.

CNA