Christodoulides Heads to New York With Goal of Resuming Talks

Speaking to journalists on Sunday during a visit to the French School for Bastille Day celebrations, Christodoulides stated that his objective in New York is to create favourable conditions for the resumption of talks, capitalising on past negotiation achievements.

He claimed that Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar had rejected even an informal social meeting at the start of the current diplomatic initiative. Asked whether he had any concrete proposals to counter what was described as “Turkish intransigence,” Christodoulides said he had developed sufficient alternative scenarios for various developments during the meeting.

“A Springboard for Negotiations”

According to Fileleftheros, Government Spokesperson Letymbiotis, in a press briefing at the Presidential Palace, said the Greek Cypriot side had realistic expectations but remained fully committed to using the upcoming five-party meeting as a potential springboard for the resumption of substantive negotiations.

While acknowledging that the chances of a breakthrough in New York remain slim, Letymbiotis said the Greek Cypriot side is attending with full awareness of its responsibilities and a genuine political will to contribute to the UN’s efforts.

He emphasised that the Greek Cypriot position remains firmly anchored in a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation in line with UN Security Council resolutions, EU acquis, and the values and principles of the European Union.

Beyond Confidence-Building Measures

Letymbiotis clarified that while confidence-building measures (CBMs) are viewed as a “lifejacket” for the stalled process, they cannot substitute substantive negotiations. He said the Greek Cypriot side is sufficiently prepared and expects the New York format to allow for discussion on the core aspects of the Cyprus problem, beyond just CBMs.

He also noted that any discussion in New York should not be limited to technical measures like opening new crossing points or restoring cemeteries, as these are not replacements for addressing the fundamental issues of the Cyprus conflict.

UK, EU Participation and Wider Diplomacy

When asked whether the UK’s position causes concern, Letymbiotis expressed confidence that Britain, as a UN Security Council permanent member and one of the main authors of Cyprus-related UN texts, remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Regarding the European Union’s absence from the upcoming meeting, Alithia reported that neither the European Commission nor the European Council is sending a representative. European Commission Vice President Johannes Hahn, who was appointed as the EU’s special envoy for the Cyprus issue, will not attend.

Letymbiotis acknowledged that the final decision on invitations rests with the UN Secretary-General but reiterated the Greek Cypriot position that EU participation would be “very positive and constructive.” He added that Turkey’s opposition to EU involvement is well known.

Meeting Participants and Format

The expanded informal five-party meeting in New York is expected to include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the leaders of the two Cypriot communities, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, and UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty. The format mirrors that of the Geneva meeting held in March.

Analysis in the Greek Cypriot Press

Politis ran the story under the headline “Perpetuating a False Reality,” criticising the Greek Cypriot leadership for publicly reaffirming readiness to resume talks from where they left off eight years ago, while avoiding clear acceptance of the convergences reached during that period.

Meanwhile, Haravgi and Fileleftheros highlighted Christodoulides’ determination to explore all diplomatic avenues in New York, despite the low expectations and challenging circumstances surrounding the talks.

With the summit set for Thursday, both sides remain entrenched in their respective positions, but the presence of top diplomats from guarantor countries and the UN adds weight to an otherwise uncertain encounter.