Developments on the Cyprus problem that could potentially even lead to a settlement plan were announced by President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, who revealed that a new initiative by UN Secretary General António Guterres is currently under way “away from the public spotlight.”
In an interview with Alpha Cyprus and Emília Kenevezou, the President said he sees “developments because the UN Secretary General has undertaken a new initiative following the meeting he had with the Turkish President in Turkey.” He recalled that this was followed by his own meeting with the UN Secretary General in Brussels, where he was briefed on the initiative, adding that he believes it “will lead to developments.”
Asked whether the process could even result in a solution plan, President Christodoulides replied that “we may be close to developments that will lead to a settlement plan.”
He reiterated that “no one can dispute that the key lies with Turkey”, noting that following António Guterres’ meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, “a new initiative is under way away from the public spotlight.”
He clarified, however, that he himself has not met with the Turkish President. “I have not met Mr Erdoğan, but meetings are taking place away from the public eye on the basis of this initiative by the UN Secretary General,” he said.
President Christodoulides also referred to the term of office of the UN Secretary General, noting that Guterres “wants mobility on the Cyprus problem before the end of his term at the end of the year.” He added that “an initiative is under way away from the spotlight, which could possibly lead us to something very specific,” underlining that decisions will be required.
Regarding next steps, the President expressed hope that the next expanded informal conference would take place during the summer, stressing that it will be “of decisive importance.”
At the same time, he made it clear that the Greek Cypriot side remains committed to the agreed basis of a solution, stating that “we will do everything possible to achieve a positive outcome on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation,” and pointing out that “the mandate of the Secretary General is clear from the Security Council.”
Referring to the international dimension, he said that “the guarantor powers are certainly participating in the processes,” adding that “the European Union has an important role to play and has expressed this interest.” He clarified, however, that “up to this point, there has been no involvement by the United States.”
Asked about the absence of the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, President Christodoulides said he is in continuous contact with her and believes that she will be in Cyprus in early June and is “working on the basis of António Guterres’ plan.”
Energy
With regard to energy, President Christodoulides said that significant developments are expected in the next fifteen days in relation to talks with Exxon on the exploitation of the existing blocks it holds in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, as well as the licensing of new blocks.
He also noted that talks with energy giants ENI and Total are progressing positively and could lead within the next two weeks to an agreement on the sale of Cypriot natural gas to Europe via Egypt.
Electricity prices
The President also referred to government plans to reduce electricity prices, expressing the view that these efforts will bear fruit by the end of 2026.
