Candan: “Turkish-Greek Rapprochement Should Be Reflected in Cyprus”

The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, the Greek Foreign Minister, and the President of PACE. In his address, Candan noted that a new meeting between the parties on Cyprus is expected to take place in Geneva in July under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. He also informed the committee that the Secretary-General’s personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín, is currently engaging with both sides on the island and will later visit Ankara and Athens.

Candan highlighted the recent appointment of a European Union Special Representative for Cyprus and welcomed the improving climate of dialogue between Turkey and Greece as a positive development for the region. He warned, however, that tensions on the island have recently increased, particularly due to lawsuits related to property disputes.

Calling for efforts to ease these tensions, Candan urged both leaders to make progress on confidence-building measures, including the opening of new crossing points. He also encouraged greater support from the international community in this regard.

Responding to a question from Candan, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis shared concrete developments from the ongoing dialogue between Turkey and Greece and reiterated Greece’s current position on the Cyprus issue with the committee.

Candan concluded by underlining the importance of PACE as a platform where Turkish Cypriot, Greek Cypriot, Turkish, and Greek parliamentarians can engage in dialogue. He called on the Council of Europe—including the European Court of Human Rights—to take further initiatives aimed at improving the situation in Cyprus, particularly in relation to property issues and the Immovable Property Commission.