Christodoulides: Better Results Were Possible with the Right Political Will

Speaking at the conclusion of the UN-hosted 5+1 meeting on Cyprus, Christodoulides expressed cautious optimism, saying, “We see small but significant progress towards the important goal of resuming negotiations.”

He thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel for their engagement, emphasising the importance of the EU’s commitment and its potential role in restarting talks.

While acknowledging that the outcomes could have been better, Christodoulides described the results as “meaningful,” considering the current conditions. “A significant step has been taken toward the larger goal, and we are moving forward gradually,” he said.

He also noted that the scheduling of the next trilateral meeting in September, followed by an expanded summit and a set date for the next meeting with the UN Secretary-General, showed the process was on track. The expanded meeting is expected to take place shortly after elections in the north.

Christodoulides said efforts with the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy María Ángela Holguín will continue, particularly regarding border crossings and new confidence-building initiatives.

He added that the Greek Cypriot side presented four to five proposals during the meeting but received no response from the Turkish Cypriot side.

On the issue of crossings, Christodoulides said the Greek Cypriot side agreed to open those at Mia Milia and Louroudjina, while the Turkish Cypriot side opposed openings at Kokkina and Athienou, citing the need for Turkish military approval.