“A turning point must eventually be reached in the ‘marathon’ of the Cyprus issue,” President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday, expressing optimism following his recent contacts with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Brussels.
Speaking to journalists, the President said he was encouraged by what he had heard from the UN Secretary-General and voiced hope for a corresponding response from all sides.
“I am optimistic based on what I have heard from the UN Secretary-General, and I hope there will be a similar response from all other parties, so that this clear political will, with proper planning, can be translated into a concrete initiative that delivers results,” he said.
Talks with the UK on multiple issues
Asked about the installation of antenna facilities by the British Bases, the President said the issue would be part of a broader agenda in upcoming discussions with the United Kingdom.
“This issue, along with many others, is among the topics we have identified from our side to begin a comprehensive discussion with the British,” he noted.
Expectation of positive response
Responding to questions on whether there had been a reply from the Turkish Cypriot side regarding a new meeting between the two leaders, Christodoulides said he expects a positive outcome. “I believe there will be a positive response. There is no reason for the Turkish Cypriot leader to accept a meeting,” he said.
The President reiterated that the Cyprus issue cannot remain open indefinitely, stressing the need for progress.
“At some point, we must reach the finish line of this ‘marathon’,” he said, adding that recent signals from the United Nations suggest there is space for a new initiative.