Letimbiotis: Key Factor in Cyprus Problem Is EU-Turkey Relations

In an interview with Kathimerini, Letimbiotis addressed Turkey’s recent statements and the visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the TRNC, which he described as “illegal” and strongly condemned.

Letimbiotis emphasized that developments in the Cyprus issue should proceed in parallel with EU-Turkey relations, noting recent remarks by Erdoğan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as signs that Ankara is placing renewed importance on its ties with the European Union. He added that the European Council’s conclusions make it clear that progress on Turkey-related matters must be accompanied by corresponding movement on the Cyprus issue.

When asked about President Nikos Christodoulides' comments suggesting imminent developments that could help restart negotiations, Letimbiotis confirmed that diplomatic initiatives are ongoing and that any progress will be announced in due course. He also indicated that preparations are underway for a potential multilateral conference in July, which they hope will mark a turning point in the stalled negotiation process, building on the second Geneva conference.

Regarding property issues in the north and whether any recommendations had been received from the UN or elsewhere about curbing such actions, Letimbiotis said no one in a democratic state can interfere with the judicial process.

On the mandate of UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín, Letimbiotis said the goal is to create conditions for resuming talks, with the envoy's term officially starting on May 12. He also noted that the contents of Holguín’s post-visit report would be confidential and only shared with the UN Secretary-General.

Letimbiotis responded to questions about Christodoulides’ recent trip to Israel by affirming that it was part of broader diplomatic outreach efforts ahead of the Republic of Cyprus assuming the EU presidency. He added that any criticism of the visit should be weighed against Christodoulides’ meeting with the Palestinian leadership and statements that were not publicized in the media.

Turning to domestic matters, Letimbiotis dismissed speculation about the 2026 parliamentary elections, emphasizing that President Christodoulides is not affiliated with any political party and that the government’s work would continue uninterrupted. He said the elections would reflect on the parties, not the president, and added that the government's relationship with ELAM is purely institutional. As for potential cooperation with ELAM in the next presidential election, Letimbiotis said it was too early to discuss and noted that Christodoulides would make his intentions clear when the time comes.